Health Update: Health Update: Finding Balance Together: Braden River High Hosts Inaugural Teen Mental Health Summit – What Experts Say– What Experts Say.
Braden River High School students turned inspiration into action with the first-ever Bash for Balance Teen Mental Health Summit, held December 3 in the BRHS auditorium.
Organized by BRHS’s Youth in Action (YIA) and Students Working Against Tobacco (S.W.A.T.) clubs in partnership with the Manatee Health Care Alliance’s Youth Development Subcommittee, the summit brought approx. 200 students, educators, and community partners together for an afternoon focused on mental health, wellness, and substance abuse awareness.
The idea for Bash for Balance began last fall, when BRHS students and advisor Mr. Erik Nelson attended a similar summit at Lakewood Ranch High School. Inspired, the students spent months planning an event tailored to their own campus with no budgeted funds available, with support from community partners including Hanley Foundation, Healthy Teens, Centerstone, the Department of Health–Manatee, and North River Prevention Partners.
The event featured a keynote speaker followed by breakout sessions on topics such as Zyns & Vaping, Alcohol Addiction, Suicide Prevention, Social Media Dangers, Yoga, and Arts & Crafts, giving students the opportunity to choose sessions most meaningful to them. Many of the sessions were so well attended, they were standing room only.
Senior Chloe Pogoda said she was “extremely happy with the turnout” and proud of the teamwork behind the scenes, adding that the event was “an amazing first for our school history” and something she hopes continues in future years.
Junior Trace Secord echoed that excitement, noting that “all the hours of planning came to fruition” and it was inspiring to see students, schools, and community members come together in one space.
For junior Emma Daley, the energy of the day stood out most. She shared that it was powerful to see “students creating a strong and healthy community in real time,” with activities ranging from wellness sessions to raffles and interactive vendor tables.
Junior Isa Garcia highlighted the impact of student-led outreach, saying the team’s social media efforts “significantly boosted awareness and attendance,” helping make the first-year event a success.
Sophomore Molly Lawless described packed rooms and engaged audiences throughout the afternoon, calling the event “beyond successful” and already looking ahead to next year.
Sophomore Malia Ho summed up the experience as “meaningful and memorable,” sharing how rewarding it was to watch students learn about important topics together in a positive, supportive environment.
With strong attendance, enthusiastic participation, and overwhelming community support, Braden River High School’s Bash for Balance marked a powerful start to what students hope will become an annual tradition promoting balance, connection, and mental well-being.
This Good News was submitted by Erick Nelson (BRHS teacher/advisor), Jodi O’Meara (SDMC Parent Engagement & Outreach), and Ally Bergmann (Exec. Dir. of North River Prevention Partners, Inc.)