At South Hills High School, students have learned that mental health is just as important as their academics. Through the Erika’s Lighthouse program, students have gained valuable tools to understand, recognize, and discuss the importance of mental well-being. By learning these skills, Erika’s Lighthouse has helped the students of South Hills create a supportive environment where they can feel comfortable seeking help, support one another, and prioritize their emotional health and their academics.
“We want kids to know that you can get better- that tools to be the best version of yourself are available. It’s actually an experience to gain skills around good mental health, without shame or stigma,” founder of Erika’s Lighthouse, Ginny Neuckranz said.
Building on that message, Megan Knight, SHHS wellness counselor, explained how Erika’s Lighthouse continues to make a difference for students.
“Erika’s Lighthouse stands out as an effective suicide prevention program because it doesn’t stigmatize mental health, it doesn’t make mental health scary, and it provides real support and examples for students to engage with,” Knight said.
As a result, students have noticed their peers becoming more willing to reach out for support, which aligns with what Crystal Garrido (9) has observed on campus.
“I think it encouraged students to reach out for their well-being, to reach out to peers, counselors on campus, or any kind of adult they trust so they know they are safe, comforted, and being cared for,” Garrido said.
This growing comfort with asking for help reflects the program’s larger purpose, as the founder, Ginny Neuckranz, explained.
“Our mission is to make sure no young person feels alone in their depression. We create upper elementary, middle school, and high school mental health, depression, and suicide awareness programs so educators, families, and teens can create safe spaces to learn about mental health, letting students know they are never alone, and there is somewhere to turn,” Neuckranz said.
The program’s mission has also made a personal impact on students themselves, including how Edith Gamez (9) now thinks about mental health.
“Erika’s Lighthouse changed how I think about mental health because it shows that everyone struggles sometimes, and it’s okay to talk about it. It made me realize that getting help isn’t weak, it’s actually a sign of strength,” Gamez said.
