During a recent government meeting, members of the Riverton High School speech and debate team presented their experiences from the national competitions, highlighting both their achievements and the importance of community engagement in addressing serious issues like mental health.

The team, accompanied by their coach, shared their journey to the national Leadership Conference of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) held in Seattle. Sophomore Tessa Kenyon proudly announced her third-place finish in the Creed Interpretation event, while fellow team member Elena Gard emphasized the camaraderie fostered through pin trading with participants from various states. Katherine Castro, the FCCLA president, discussed her experience judging events, which provided her with valuable insights into the competition process.

In addition to their competitive successes, the students addressed the upcoming Suicide Awareness Week, which was rescheduled to avoid conflict with homecoming festivities. This initiative was particularly poignant following the recent loss of a student to suicide. The team plans to distribute bracelets and stickers to promote awareness and support within the school community, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces for students to discuss mental health issues.

The meeting underscored the significance of the support from the school board and district, which enables students to participate in such enriching experiences. The coach expressed gratitude for the funding that allows students to travel and compete, noting the invaluable skills they gain through these opportunities.

Overall, the presentation not only celebrated the students' achievements but also highlighted their commitment to fostering a supportive environment for mental health awareness, demonstrating the dual role of educational programs in both personal development and community advocacy.