A group of fifth graders from Gilles-Sweet Elementary visited Fairview High School recently — not for a class or a tour, but to learn about resilience, connection, and mental wellness through the Sources of Strength program.

The peer-led orientation event was designed and led by high school and middle school students active in Sources of Strength, a national program that promotes mental health and well-being by building protective factors like mentorship, positive friendships, and healthy activities.

“From the moment they walked in, they were excited to be here,” Sources of Strength Advisor and Middle School English Teacher Janice Frygier explained. “Being up at the high school gave them a glimpse of what’s to come and made it a more impactful experience.”

Sources of Strength is an evidence-based wellness initiative used in schools across the country. It focuses on enhancing students’ strengths to prevent adverse outcomes such as substance misuse, bullying, and suicide, while fostering help-seeking behaviors and a strong sense of belonging. The program is built on a foundation of peer leadership supported by adult advisors who model and encourage positive behaviors.

This is the second year for Sources of Strength at FHS. Since its launch, student leaders have organized several campaigns and activities aimed at spreading awareness and encouraging a supportive school culture. Examples include social media and in-school visual campaigns highlighting the eight strengths of the program, “Caught Showing Strength” raffles, and awareness tables set up for students.

The fifth-grade orientation event, held in late February, was a new addition to this year’s programming. Approximately 12 high school and middle school students facilitated the day, leading younger students through team-building games, small-group conversations, and poster-making activities focused on personal strengths.

“The students were nervous at first, but once they had a microphone in their hand and got started, they did a fantastic job,” Frygier added. “It was likely the first time many of them had the chance to be peer leaders, and they really rose to the occasion.”

“It really provided an opportunity for some of these students to step outside their comfort zone and interact with people they may not know,” Sources of Strength Advisor and High School Art Teacher Chris Kaminski added. “Some of the games are designed to do that, and then some of the activities were about interpersonal and self-reflective thoughts.”

Fifth graders learned about the Sources of Strength wheel, which includes eight categories such as family support, mental health, and healthy activities. They also had lunch with their student leaders and brainstormed their own ideas for possible school-wide campaigns, offering suggestions like spirit weeks, morning announcements, and even a Sources of Strength-sponsored trunk-or-treat at Gilles-Sweet next year.

“The kids enjoyed all of the team-building activities and spending time with their leaders and working with them,” Gilles-Sweet Elementary School Fifth Grade Counselor Robin Schlesinger expressed. “It was really good to see kids interacting across the grade level and with the older students. We also brainstormed ideas on how we could share what they learned with others.”

“This was more about building awareness and planting seeds,” Kaminski stated. “If we can continue this year after year, the impact on our school culture will be long-lasting.”

There have also been early discussions about expanding the program to the elementary level, depending on funding. In the meantime, leaders hope the exposure will help fifth graders feel more confident and connected when they transition into middle school.

“It broke down barriers,” Frygier stated. “When you sit on the floor and color and draw and have these conversations with someone, that was awesome. It breaks down the barriers for the younger kids and makes school feel like a place where they belong.”

With nearly 45 student participants from grades 7–12, Fairview’s Sources of Strength team is continuing to grow. Leaders say the remainder of the year will focus on preparing for next year, applying for grants, and potentially holding a school supply drive this summer as part of their community outreach.