West Lauderdale has been undergoing an expansion of extracurriculars lately thanks to a student named Preston Wilson. Preston has recently created two new clubs for students to involve themselves in throughout their high school careers, one of them being Mind Matters, a Mental Health Club. 

Preston stated, “The club’s goal is to raise awareness about mental health issues. I founded it because I’ve personally struggled with mental health challenges while navigating life as a teenager, and I know many others face similar struggles.”

Mental health has become a rising topic. According to the CDC, in 2023, 2 in 5 students (40%) had persistent sadness or hopelessness. This trend has worsened from the previous pandemic.  

Combating this trend, Preston aims to draw people closer through shared experiences in hopes of stronger connections and solutions to their struggles. “[Overall, the club’s goal is] benefit[ing] the students by showing them they’re not alone in their struggles and by fostering a positive and supportive school environment.” 

As the club begins to grow and expand, it is starting off with “projects for November and December [that] include writing encouraging messages in chalk for state testing and placing positive message stickers along C Hall.” These colorful reminders are meant to encourage a more positive environment for students to blossom. 

Mind Matters hopes to grow as the year progresses and reach out to anyone interested. Preston explains that “[they’re] always looking for more help with [their] projects. Feel free to reach out to [Preston] or [his] vice president, Ryleigh Turbville, if you’re interested.” By joining Mind Matters, students can not only find support for their mental health challenges but also contribute to a more compassionate and connected school community.