On Feb. 9, Bayport-Blue Point High School unveiled their new wellness center with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. The district purposefully held the ceremony on P.S. I Love You Day to highlight the center’s purpose of supporting students’ social, emotional and mental health needs.
P.S. I Love You Day is a day of spreading love and positive messages to stand up against bullying, help end depression and prevent suicide. The district recognized the growing mental health needs of their students and implemented various mental health initiatives throughout the past couple of years; this space is the physical culmination of these efforts and will act as a haven for students.
“We know that when we reduce stress, we allow room for other feelings such as acceptance, openness and belonging,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Hearney as he addressed the ceremony’s guests. “This dedicated space is for everyone to enjoy. The center is for open conversations, connections and empathy. Mental health struggles don’t define a person, they’re just one part of their journey. By fostering understanding and compassion, we create a community where seeking help provides our strength.”
Junior Katie Edwards spoke at the podium on behalf of her fellow students, expressing her gratitude and excitement to use the space. Interim Bayport-Blue Point Principal James Nolan, Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo, Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter, Councilman John Lorenzo, Legislator Dominick Thorne, Congressman Andrew Garbarino and Maureen Menella, on behalf of donor M&T Bank, also spoke, recognizing the importance and great need for this kind of space.
After the ceremony, guests, including a handful of Bayport-Blue Point students, had the opportunity to visit inside the center for the first time. The center includes comfortable seating areas, rooms for the school’s psychologist and social worker, a plant/nature section, coloring books, board games, soft music and more.
The district also announced an outdoor portion of the center that will be completed in the fall.
