By Margo Bates
Student Writer
Margo Bates is a student at Winter Springs
High School.
The Morgan’s Message Foundation was born in 2020 from the heartbreaking story of one women’s lacrosse player and has since grown into a movement that aims to reach all student athletes. At schools across the country, Morgan's Message Clubs are prioritizing the mental health of student athletes.
Morgan is the name of a girl who started her lacrosse journey in high school. She rose in the lacrosse ranks, growing better and better until she suffered a knee injury that resulted in great struggle. Morgan began to face challenges with her mental health, feeling that she was not living up to expectations, and tragically lost her life by suicide at the young age of 22.
The Morgan’s Message club at Winter Springs High School endeavors to spread awareness about the importance of maintaining one’s mental wellness, working to encourage that help is sought, and hosting dedication games to bring attention to student-athlete mental health. At these dedication games, guests will find an information booth with resources and foundation details so they may look into the cause.
Teacher sponsor of the WSHS Morgan’s Message club, Kaitlyn Lucas, is a former therapist with a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling. As well as being a teacher at the high school, Ms Lucas coaches a lacrosse team, bringing her connection to the club’s origins. With Morgan’s Message, she and students strive to spread the idea that getting help mentally and physically holds no shame. They believe that the negative stigma around seeking mental help needs adjustment, and that people should never have to deal with their struggles alone.
To support this message, you may want to consider attending a dedication game on January 9th, January 15th, or February 14th, or spreading word of them. By going to https://www.morgansmessage.org/donate you can make donations to the Morgan’s Message foundation to support their endeavors if you wish.
The symbol of Morgan’s Message is a teal butterfly in memory of Morgan. It is based on one of her artworks and the experiences her friends and family have had with butterflies since her passing. If you know someone who may be struggling, make sure to show your support in any way you can, and if you are struggling, never be afraid to reach out for help.
