Jordan Public Schools Students and Families Empowered to “Be a Champion” for Mental Health

The halls of each of our school buildings were filled with an excited energy last week as students across all grade levels gathered for a mental health presentation from guest speaker, Tara Soesbe from Till 360. Ms. Soesbe delivered a series of age appropriate presentations designed to inspire resilience and gratitude within our school community. 

A Message of Gratitude and Support

Ms. Soesbe challenged students to identify the “champions” in their own lives, whether those are their peers, teachers, mentors, or family members, who: 

• Teach and guide them through challenges
• Offer words of encouragement
• Stand up for them in difficult times
• Simply show up and be there when it matters most

Then, she tasked students with the simple, yet profound act of thanking their champions. She shifted the conversation to empower students to be their own champion and gave them the tools necessary to believe “I am enough,” in a way that emphasized that no one has to navigate their mental health journey alone. 

The Impact and Community Connection

Following these sessions, teachers and staff members reported a noticeable buzz in the classrooms and school hallways, with students eager to share their takeaways and discuss who their champions are. 

Recognizing the importance of mental health resources for families, Ms. Soesbe offered a specialized session during the Celebrate Jordan event on Sunday, April 12, geared towards supporting a child’s well-being and fostering the “Be a Champion” mindset at home. 

These mental health presentations were provided by the Jordan Education Foundation to further the district’s dedication to ensuring mental health remains a priority alongside academic excellence.