At Fort Calhoun Jr./Sr. High School students’ well-being is more than a priority — it’s a mission. This year, our Pioneer Empowerment Group for Junior high students, in collaboration with Erika’s Lighthouse, has taken that mission to heart by promoting mental health awareness, kindness, and connection throughout our school community.
Erika’s Lighthouse is a non-profit organization focused on mental health education and teen empowerment, helping students understand depression, reduce stigma, and create a culture of openness and support. With their guidance, our Empowerment Group has taken meaningful steps to bring these goals to life right here at Pioneer.
One of our activities we did this year was “Chalking the Walk,” where students took to the sidewalks with colorful messages of encouragement, hope, and positivity. With every “You matter!” and “It’s okay to ask for help” written in vibrant chalk, students helped turn our school’s walkways into a space of support and affirmation.
In another heartwarming initiative, the Empowerment Group prepared and delivered May Baskets for every teacher in the building. These small, thoughtful gifts were a way to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our educators — and to remind them that their efforts truly make a difference.
These activities may seem simple, but their impact has been powerful. Through these moments of kindness and advocacy, the Pioneer Empowerment Group is building a stronger, more compassionate school culture — one chalk drawing and one act of gratitude at a time.
We’re proud of the work our students are doing, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to grow as leaders and advocates for mental health and kindness.
written by Jacque Fischer
