At Green Mountain High School, two dedicated Peer Leaders are proving that mental health awareness isn’t just a conversation: it’s a movement. Sophie Oliver and Linn Poston have spent years (four and three respectively) deeply embedded in the Sources of Strength program, but their recent senior capstone project has set a new gold standard for community impact.
A Week of Strength
For their year-long capstone, Sophie and Linn designed a high-energy Sources of Strength-themed Spirit Week. Far from your average dress-up days, this week was intentionally crafted to highlight different slices of the Sources wheel.
The impact was immediate and visible:
- 300+ Participants: Students and staff engaged in daily activities that made the wheel come to life.
- Normalizing the Narrative: By weaving mental health into the fabric of school spirit, they’ve made it approachable, ensuring students feel confident reaching out to support systems before a crisis occurs.
Funding Hope: The Second Wind Fund
Beyond awareness, Sophie and Linn focused on tangible action. Through the school’s winter performing arts concerts, they organized a fundraiser for the Second Wind Fund, an organization dedicated to providing mental health access to youth.
The results were staggering:
- Total Raised: $4,000+
- In perspective, it takes approximately $1,240 to save one life through the Second Wind Fund’s services. Thanks to the generosity of the Green Mountain community and the leadership of these two seniors, more than three lives were directly saved.
Why It Matters
In Jefferson County, senior capstones are a showcase of academic and personal talent. Sophie and Linn chose to use theirs to leave a legacy of wellness. At GMHS, mental health is no longer a “quiet” topic; it is a shared priority.
We are incredibly proud to spotlight these two changemakers who embody the mission to Empower a Well World.
