AHS students mark Mental Health Awareness Week with dress-up days, more
Published 7:00 am Thursday, May 7, 2026
Athens High School students ended the month of April with a week-long commemoration of Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW), held April 27-May 1.
In its sixth year at the school and hosted by the Rho Kappa History Honor Society, AHS Psychology Classes, and Portrait of a Graduate classes, the initiative promoted mental health awareness while encouraging the importance of self-care and effective stress management.
Throughout the week, students participated in a variety of engaging activities designed to foster positivity and connection:
— Dress Up Days
Build a Better Mind Monday — Students wore construction gear to symbolize building strong mental habits.
Stomp Out the Stigma Tuesday — Students wore superhero gear to highlight the strength it takes to address mental health challenges.
Awareness Wednesday — Students wore green in support of mental health awareness.
Teacher Lookalike Thursday — Each student dressed up like a teacher who has positively
affected his or her life.
Future Ready Friday — Students showcased college spirit or dressed for future careers.
— Self-Care Pledge
Students were invited to sign a Mental Health Awareness Week Self-Care Pledge, committing to supporting their physical, mental, and overall emotional well being.
— Awareness activities all week long
Additional fun activities included Interactive Bulletin Boards, Gratitude Chain, “Mental Health Minutes,” and other opportunities to reflect and connect.
A highlight of the week was the 4th Annual Mental Health Fair, which connected students with valuable community resources. Participating organizations included Family Resource Center, Athens State University Launchbox, Limestone County Mental Health Center, Elevate Fitness, First Priority, Athens-Limestone Hospital, Limestone County Medical Associates, United Way, and Foundations Counseling Center. Students also enjoyed spending time with the therapy dog provided by the Limestone County Child Advocacy Center. KinderVision made a special appearance to recognize Athens High School multimedia students with the “Greatest Save” Teen PSA Contest Spotlight Award, and the “Above and Beyond” Award for their video Panic Attacks.
The Portrait of a Graduate Class created a vibrant display of uplifting posters that encouraged kindness, resilience, and a positive attitude across campus. AHS Psychology students led interactive presentations on positivity, mental health awareness, and peer support strategies.
Together, all of these activities reinforced the message that small actions and words can make a meaningful difference.