Erika’s Lighthouse Teen Empowerment Club, sponsored by OLHMS Counselors Mrs. Follmar and Mrs. Hoeksema, gives students a chance to make a difference in their school community. Members of this club normalize mental illness, promote positive mental health, and build a culture of inclusiveness throughout the year.
This year, members of ELTEC assembled a mural in the cafetorium surrounding one of the light fixtures on the wall. ELTEC members sat outside the cafetorium for a day asking classmates to write a kind or inspiring message on pieces of construction paper. These pieces of paper, with their message, were incorporated into the mural. Some of the messages included “You’re enough,” You are worth it,” “You matter,” You are here for a reason,” “Believe in yourself,” and so many others.
The significance of the lighthouse is to be a “Beacon of Hope” for those struggling with depression or mental health issues. ELTEC hopes that this mural will serve as a reminder to students that when they are going through some dark times, there is always light.
