_ The 2024 Connetquot Using our Voices Mental Health Run:

This student-led run series was created by Center Moriches Student Leaders as a follow up event to PS I Love You Day and the first annual Student-Athlete Leadership Conference they hosted for Section XI this year. 

PS I Love You Day is held the second Friday of February. It is a day meant to spread love, decrease bullying, and promote mental health awareness. This day was created by Brooke and Jaimie DiPalma after experiencing a family tragedy where their father took his own life. The sisters lost the glue that bonded their family and felt that “tragedy should not be the force for togetherness; Togetherness should be the force that ends tragedies.” So, in memory of their father, they began an incredibly positive movement that has now spread throughout the world

Center Moriches School District believes in students being a part of the change process and genuine inclusivity through student engagement. Students across the island have collaborated to create the first annual, “Using our Voices” Mental Health Run Series. The goal is to share important messages about, reducing stress and anxiety, building relationships, and supporting students’ mental and physical health through movement. Giving students an opportunity to use their voice and leadership skills, and work toward the first ever NYS Seal of Civic Readiness for promoting civic mindedness within their communities. Students work towards an important cause by using their voices, having fun, and building a network of positivity across the island. 

Together with the North Babylon & Connetquot High School leaders, this event is one you will not want to miss! All students will be able to participate in the race series free of charge in an effort to spread awareness to a cause important to so many people. Join these students for the first ever student-led event series Long Island has offered. 

When kids are empowered, magical things can happen!