STUDENTS STEP OUT TO HELP
TOWNSVILLE State High School Year 12 students have gone the extra mile to raise crucial funds for a local youth mental health organisation.
The Year 12 cohort usually takes part in the annual Hit the Hill, run by a local radio station, but COVID restrictions meant the event was cancelled.
Luckily the Year 12s of Town High are resilient and were determined to help raise funds for mental health organisations while bonding as a cohort.
Determined to do their bit to raise money for mental health, school captain Keziah Furnell and vice-captain Brianna Knight organised a 24-hour walking challenge around their school oval to raise funds for Aspire, a local organisation that supports youth mental health.
The Year 12s chose this organisation because it was local, and they wanted to provide funds to help those feeling the effects of COVID-19 on their health and wellbeing.
The pair said this year’s Year 12 students had missed out on many key senior events.
“COVID has also had a huge impact on mental health within our community, making it such an important issue to be focused on,” they said.
“The purpose of the 24-hour event is to put ourselves through the feelings of tiredness, pain, frustration, and wanting to give up. People with mental health issues are forced to deal with these feelings 24/7.
“We were uncomfortable for 24 hours, but people struggling with their mental health can’t just go home, shower, go to sleep and for it to all be better. This was a very important thing for us to remember when doing our laps.”
Principal Rob Slater said: “I’m very proud of the initiative that students have shown and their commitment to engaging with the wider community.
“The money they raised is going to a very good cause, supporting mental health needs of youth.”
The acting head of the English department, Kylie Chance, said students wanted to make a difference.
“When COVID put a dent in our plans to participate in events such as Hit the Hill and Relay for Life, the Year 12 students were disappointed,” she said.
“Keziah and Brianna approached us about creating our own event, in line with the school’s COVID-SAFE plan, and we were more than happy to support them.
“The girls organised everything, from lighting, food, signage and donations, and invited representatives from Aspire and local politicians, including Phillip Thompson, the federal member for Herbert.”
Ms Chance said the event was a relay style 24-hour continuous walk around the school’s front oval, with students camping out under the stars.
“Collectively, the team walked a mammoth 1554km,” she said.
“This cohort of students has shown initiative, resilience and leadership, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts.”