OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, Wis. (WBAY) – The Appleton Area School District and the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are partnering to promote messages of hope, help and strength through a special Night at the Ballpark event on Thursday, April 30, at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.
The event recognizes students who participate in their school’s Sources of Strength campaign during the month of April.
Students who take part in the campaign will receive a complimentary game ticket to the Timber Rattlers’ 6:40 p.m. game, celebrating their leadership and commitment to supporting peer wellbeing.
Sources of Strength is a student-led, evidence-based suicide prevention and mental health promotion program focused on building connection and resilience. Peer leaders and adult advisors work together to ensure that during difficult times, no student or staff member feels isolated or hopeless.
“Sources of Strength empowers students to be connectors—to hope, help and strength,” said Kyle Balda, school counselor at James Madison Middle School. “This event is a celebration of the students who are making a difference in their schools and spreading the message that we all belong.”
The program emphasizes using personal strengths, trusted supports and authentic student voice to break the silence around struggles and connect individuals to help.
The Night at the Ballpark event also aligns with AASD’s We Belong campaign, which includes community art projects, pledges and lessons designed to reinforce inclusion, belonging and shared responsibility for one another’s well-being.
“Attending to mental health is essential to our well-being. Through focusing on our Sources of Strength, our youth are able to identify connections that help them thrive. The AASD is proud to collaborate with the Timber Rattlers as we begin Mental Health Awareness Month and celebrate our strengths,” said Laura Jackson, executive director of student services.
Discounted tickets will be available for families and friends who wish to attend the game and celebrate alongside participating students.
Tyler VanRossum, director of ticket sales for the Timber Rattlers, said “we are proud to partner with AASD to recognize the incredible work students are doing through the Sources of Strength Program. The ballpark is a place for community, and this event is a great way to celebrate connection and support.”
For more information about Sources of Strength and the Night at the Ballpark event, families are encouraged to contact their school or visit the Appleton Area School District website.
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