WCSM Back to School Week highlights student life at St. Marys Memorial High School

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ST. MARYS — Student leadership, the performing arts, mental health, school safety and preparation for life after graduation highlighted the second day of WCSM’s Back to School Week at St. Marys City Schools.

The Tuesday broadcast opened with Memorial High School’s Student Council and adviser Jennifer Lunz.

Lunz described the council as a student-led organization that serves as a liaison between students and the school. Members organize dances, pep rallies, food drives and other projects while developing leadership and organizational skills.

Students also discussed how their involvement carries into activities including band, choir, theater, athletics and community service.

Memorial High School’s theater program was represented by director Allie Phlipot and student directors Helena Bills and Gavin Luebke.

More than 50 students are involved in this year’s student-directed one-act plays through acting, directing and technical roles. The Halloween-themed performances are scheduled for October 31 at 7 p.m.

Phlipot said theater gives students an opportunity to become more confident and step outside their usual roles. Some students begin behind the scenes before eventually performing onstage.

The program also featured Gatekeepers, a peer-led organization promoting mental-health awareness and suicide prevention.

President Avery Derringer, digital historian Abby Carroll and vice president Dylan Fink discussed the group’s efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage students to look out for one another.

Gatekeepers holds awareness campaigns, fundraisers and student activities. One recent project involved distributing clothespins carrying encouraging messages such as “You are loved” and “You are enough.”

The organization is advised by school social worker Sara Derringer, who said students are taught to recognize when someone may be struggling and involve a trusted adult. Memorial High School also has an on-site mental-health specialist and two school counselors.

WCSM also spoke with Cole Koenig, the district’s new school resource officer and a member of the St. Marys Police Department.

Koenig said his primary responsibility is protecting students and staff, but relationship-building is also an important part of the position. He visits each district building and participates in activities with students so they become comfortable approaching him when they need help.

Memorial High School Principal Jason Johnson closed the broadcast with an update on academics and career preparation.

Johnson said the school emphasizes college, career and military readiness. Memorial currently offers 13 College Credit Plus courses on campus, including a new calculus class. About 160 students are participating in the program, and students involved in College Credit Plus graduate with an average of approximately 24 college credits.

A new career-exploration course will also become a graduation requirement. Students develop résumés, complete practice job applications, work on interview skills and explore possible career paths.

Additional opportunities are available through Tri Star Career Compact, DECA, work programs, honors courses and military preparation.

WCSM’s Back to School Week at St. Marys City Schools continues Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.