Ria Beri ‘27
EE Co-Managing Editor
My Friend Abby held its annual community project last Friday, October 25. The organization, run by Trumbull resident Gillian Anderson, is dedicated to empowering youth and young adults to actively create peer-to-peer connections through grants that improve mental and emotional health. During last week’s event, interested THS students had the opportunity to listen to mental health entrepreneur Johnny Crowder share his story of persevering through life’s challenges and participate in a coaster and mask decorating activity.
The community project kicked off at 3:00 p.m. in the Media Center, with Mr. Crowder introducing himself to the 20 students present. He shared that he is a TEDx speaker and the CEO of Cope Notes before diving into his unique and inspiring story. Over the course of 30 minutes, he narrated a moving account of how, after years of struggle and resistance, he was finally able to recover from his family’s abuse by utilizing peer groups. He emphasized the importance of expressing feelings to others, assuring his audience that there will always be someone who understands exactly what they are going through. In one of his most impactful lines, Mr. Crowder said, “For each person who treats you how my family treated me, there will be 99 more who will listen to and help you,” offering support and hope to all who were present.
After Mr. Crowder finished his story, the participants moved on to the creative projects. Each student settled at a table and was given markers and stickers to decorate blank coasters and masks with positive affirmations. Nearly 100 coasters were decorated and collected for distribution at a future MFA event, while the masks were theirs to keep. Throughout the project, which ran until 4:30 p.m., Mrs. Anderson, Mr. Crowder, and the other adults encouraged the students to engage with and build friendships with their tablemates.
Such events that connect the My Friend Abby organization and THS are made possible by the My Friend Abby Club. Introduced to the high school just this year, the club aims to prioritize student wellness and mental health by allowing members to participate in meaningful discussions, creative activities, club events, and peer-to-peer connections. The club’s advisor, Darsi Baer, is a school psychologist who has served in almost every elementary school, both middle schools, and now THS.
Mrs. Baer has much to share about herself and the new My Friend Abby Club. “I am thrilled to join you in my first experience as a club advisor. While I am new to the THS club scene, I am rather experienced in all things mental health, living the ‘school life’ and hanging around students. I might be a familiar face to a few of you, but I look forward to connecting with you all in a positive and fun environment. We are a brand new club, so we will build this together; your voice, your pace. You will have my full support, flexibility, and guidance.” If you wish to join the My Friend Abby Club or have any questions, please contact Mrs. Baer or any of the five club leaders: Ria Beri, Savannah Bivins, Maura Brunt, Samanvi Chintapalli, and Samantha Espiritu.
While the My Friend Abby Club is still in its early stages, it has made a promising start. Last Friday’s event demonstrated its value to school officials, club members, and the student body alike. With Mrs. Baer’s capable leadership and the commitment of its members, there is every reason to believe that the My Friend Abby Club will continue to flourish and positively impact the THS community.
Featured Photo Courtesy: Shriya Reddy