Morgan’s Message is a brand new club starting up at RCHS, with a focus on raising awareness about student athlete mental health. With meetings on the first Thursday of every month, the two club leaders Junior Nadia Gaydos and Junior Schuyler Coleman are working to spread an incredibly important message. 

“The purpose of Morgan’s message is to spread awareness about the stigma surrounding mental health conversation and trying to make sure that people know they aren’t alone.” Gaydos said. 

For a long while, student athlete mental health has taken a backseat in our lives, more focused on the athlete themselves rather than their well-being. This only results in more pressure on students to maintain their sports and school work, and not have the necessary talks to relieve some of that mental strain. According to a study by Health Psychology Research, out of 200 high school athletes, 91% experienced some level of stress induced mental health issues., and of that 91%, 27% wanted to seek some form of help, but did not.

“…I really wanted to start something for people who have felt alone because I know I’ve been in that position. So I thought it was very important for people who do sports and people who also don’t do sports to have a place where they can learn coping strategies without having to go to therapy, because lots of people don’t have those options.” Gaydos said. 

With these necessary and helpful teachings, students can learn to manage not only their mental health and their outside life. The other co-president, Schuyler, also had a lot to say about the creation of the club.

“We’re hoping to get some different speakers for the club to help out and bring awareness, and do some dedication games. Anyone can join the club to learn helpful coping skills, but the club does have a focus on easing the stress placed on athletes”

Morgan’s Message was founded July 11th of 2020 by Morgan Rodger’s parents Kurt and Dona Rogers. Kurt and Dona put the foundation together to raise awareness about the effect of mental health on student athletes after their daughter took her life. This loss opened their eyes and pushed them to start an organization where they could raise awareness and gain support to help athletes around the world like their daughter that need help. In an article written last year by alumni Nala Shearer and Maddie Dahl, they covered stress on athletes at RCHS, and how different athletes deal with the expectations weighing down on them. The sponsor of the RCHS Morgan’s Message club, Ms. Mast had not previously heard of Morgan’s Message before Nadia and Schuyler came to her about the club. After interviewing her, she had a lot to say about the club and its message. 

“I didn’t know much about the club before Nadia came to me and asked me to sponsor it, but I did some research and found out more about the Morgans Message foundation. I think it’s really important to draw attention to the astigmatism around mental health, and specifically athlete mental health.” Mast said.

The club’s next meeting will be on February 6th in the morning before school starts. If you’re a student athlete looking for a supportive and open place to discuss your stress and mental health, then Morgan’s Message is the club for you!