Even as the seasons change, the goal of the Morgan’s Message Club at Camden High School doesn’t. Set against the backdrop of Camden’s varsity volleyball match against East Syracuse-Minoa, the recently founded club held its first-ever winter event on Monday, December 9th.
Student-Athlete mental health was top of mind for the evening, as it is each day for the Morgan’s Message Club. The club promotes positive conversations and advocacy for student-athletes to take control of their own mental health journey. It is part of a larger national non-profit organization dedicated to the cause in memory of Duke University women’s lacrosse student-athlete Morgan Rodgers, who died by suicide in 2019. Rodgers faced mental health difficulties for years prior to her passing, while juggling the significant responsibilities of being a Division I student-athlete.
Student-athlete ambassador Ryen Lago is the club’s founder. The senior recently wrapped up her last high school field hockey campaign and is preparing to play for Division II Roberts Wesleyan next year. While she has little time left as a CHS student, she feels there’s a lot she can still do to make a difference in the lives of her fellow student-athletes, and future student-athletes. Advocating for this personal cause is her own way of doing that.
“We’re all here to spread a common goal: Mental health is important and there is no judgment in seeking help,” Lago told the crowd. “Morgan’s Message has become the heart and soul of my life, making it so that I can help others just as they were able to help me. I’ve been an athlete since I was four years old and have experienced the ups and downs that come with being a student-athlete… I’ve learned that mental illness isn’t something to be ashamed of, but to accept and provide care to. It really does take a village… This community has come together for a cause, and it’s something that I cannot thank everyone enough for.”
With the support of Principal Aaron Fiorini and Athletic Director Josh Mazzaferro, and founding adviser Michelle Mellon, Lago’s dream of supporting others through this club quickly became a reality this fall. Working with her own Field Hockey team, the club raised over 600 dollars on raffles alone at its first event this Fall. That response had the Club looking to do another event quickly, which brought the cause to a volleyball match.
During the evening, there were raffles, signs, and specially-made t-shirts worn during warm-ups. There were also speeches from Lago, and from volleyball captain Hailey Gladle. Adding to the excitement was the announcement that International Wire was donating a very generous $1,000 to support the club’s mission. The club would also like to thank the following sponsors for their support, including those who donated raffle prizes: Olive Grove Gathering Co., Two Broke Besties, LaRobardiere Funeral Home, M&T Treasures, Pfeif’s Powersports, and Jojo’s Empanadas. Many of these sponsors eagerly signed on at the last minute prior to the field hockey event this Fall, and have doubled down on their support this Winter. The Volleyball raffles helped generate an additional 400 dollars for the club's activities.
“Our community has been really receptive and supportive of this great cause,” Lago said.
The support also extends across the aisle. Prior to Monday's match, a member of the team at ESM personally approached Lago to thank her for the work the club is doing. It was a stark reminder that when it comes to a positive outlook on mental health, many are working together as part of the same team.
If you’re wondering what’s next for the club, stay tuned. They are actively working to organize additional events throughout the year.