May is mental health awareness month, and after enduring a personal loss and spending a lifetime counseling and supporting others, Madison Elementary School Counselor, Jessica Watt Daughterty, wanted to create a space for Madison students and Wheeling Island families to meet annually to allow for mental health recognition, grief processing, and ultimately, joy.
“Having something annually helps me revisit my own journey. Feeling and processing our experiences intentionally is a healthy thing to do,” states Watt Daugherty. “Life is really hard, and we want our families to know that they are not alone,” she adds.
The vigil, entitled “Remember, Reflect, Release,” is hosted by Madison Elementary School with support from Altmeyer Funeral Home and NAMI. “The event is scheduled on Thursday, May 16th, from 6-8 at the Island Marina. We have various stations for our families. They can make bracelets to emphasize their strengths, paint in watercolor, practice breathing and color mandalas, create sand in jar keepsakes, craft a homemade journal, or garden,” Watt Daugherty states.
The event has a somber moment of silence, but it’s focused on joy and continuation. Tony M. and Madison students will be offering music and poetry, a meal will be offered, and a bubble release will take place. Last year’s event had 50 attendants, and projections are currently at 100. Madison families can use the QR code to register on Madison’s Facebook page.
