In a thrilling game, the ACHS varsity field hockey team beat Wakefield High School in overtime 3-2 on Wednesday, Sept. 24. The game was a dedication to Morgan’s Message, a movement working to prioritize student athletes mental health, as well as Connect for Cancer, an organization that works to raise money and spread awareness about cancer.
The Titans motivated and cheered each other on throughout the game and into overtime to break the 2-2 tie. Prior to the game, decorated tri-folds stood at the entrance of the bleachers with multiple representatives from the clubs conversing with spectators.
“ [Morgan’s Message] is really meaningful to me, not only to do it for [myself]but for other people,” said one of the club’s representatives Madesen Lynch.” ”When you see yourself in someone else’s shoes, you can sympathize with them.”
The issues that the club addresses not only affect its club members, but also the athletes at games like these. The field hockey team consists of a large group of girls, freshman through senior. All of these girls have vastly different lives, they all have a variety of methods to manage their mental health as well as physical health. This aspect of sports is a unique part of Morgan’s Message, catering to the athletes and their needs.
When asked about how she balances her mental health with sports, goalie Darcy Rogers said, “a lot of times [field hockey] does lack in the sense of self care.” But, Rogers said that the sport can also be a positive outlet. “[For my] mental health, it really does help me just playing field hockey because I love it so much.”
At Morgan’s Message meetings, students meet once or twice a month to discuss a topic and are able to educate each other on it.
“There will be one topic per meeting, so when we discussed the mental health stigma, we talked about how different words give connotations,” said the club’s President Payton Feehely.
Connect 4 Cancer., the other club honored at the game, raises money, organizes events, and spreads awareness about cancer. They especially advocate and support cancer patients, cancer survivors, and people who were lost to cancer.
Senior Eloise Hart, a member of the Connect 4 Cancer club, expressed what this club means to her. “For me as a student, I think it’s just important that I’m spreading awareness about such a large disease that affects so many.”
Morgan’s Message and Connect 4 Cancer play a pivotal role in spreading awareness for seemingly unrelated topics. But whether it be advocating for mental health or supporting people impacted by cancer, clubs growing and working towards their objectives can have a lasting impact in the school community.
