In December 2023, with Dr. Singkornrat as club advisor, the Minds Matter club held their first meeting. It started as a passion project to get a Girl Scout Gold Award and led to a flourishing club that helps students access tools to maintain proper mental health.

“I’ve always loved to help people, emotionally or not, and this club gives me a sense of purpose in that aspect,” senior Emma Solsona, club president said. 

Minds Matter strives to ensure the wellbeing of not only students but staff as well, which is clear in their motto: “HEALTHY MINDS = HEALTHY LIVES.” One way they accomplish this is by utilizing “Brain Bins.” These boxes of fidget toys are meant to be an outlet for energy, helping students focus, and reduce academic stress.

However, the club initially struggled to find the funds to maintain the bins. It was a costly endeavor on top of a failed fidget toy drive that ultimately resulted in trying for a grant, which succeeded with $850 in funds for the project. Now, they’re working hard to restock supplies with school counselor Ms. Fish and complete their mission of equipping students with tools to support their mental health.

Regarding the club’s meetings, they participate in a variety of activities designed to release stress including art, yoga and meditation, and members continue to brainstorm more ways to improve and enhance the club. With something different every meeting, it’s important that all officers and members know ahead of time what will be happening, and they’re sure to stay on top of that with the club’s BAND and Instagram announcements.

Primarily, the Minds Matter club helps to encourage mental health awareness and let students know ways to improve and protect their health through many means, notably including the schoolwide Brain Bins implemented– which will soon be restocked!