Alumni gift supports student mental wellness at Campion College

The spirit of giving was alive and well last week when the Campion College Class of 1990 presented a cheque for $700,000 to their alma mater in support of mental wellness initiatives for current students.

The donation, made on the grounds of Campion College in Kingston, forms part of a wider effort by the cohort to champion emotional well-being and resilience within the Campion community at a time when mental health concerns among young people in Jamaica are increasingly drawing national attention.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of the school were Principal Dr Lavare Henry and former principal, board member, Dean of Studies and Master Chemistry teacher Radley Reid. Both expressed deep gratitude to the Class of 1990, noting that the gift reflects a proud tradition of alumni giving back and a shared understanding that student success depends not only on academic excellence but also on emotional support and balance.

Dr Henry noted that schools today must respond to the changing emotional realities facing students.

“Academic success remains important, but we also recognise that students must feel emotionally supported in order to truly thrive. This generous gift from the Class of 1990 strengthens our ability to provide programmes that help students manage stress, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies,” he said.

Reid echoed the sentiment, describing the contribution as part of a long tradition of alumni commitment to the institution.

“Campion has always benefited from alumni who understand that the school helped shape who they are today. This donation demonstrates that our graduates remain deeply invested in the well-being of the next generation,” he said.

The funds will support programmes that equip students with practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life, while also promoting mindfulness, empathy, and emotional intelligence.

According to guidance counsellor Dominique Rose, expanding mental wellness initiatives is an important step toward supporting students holistically.

“Campion’s mission has always been to educate the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. Strengthening our mental wellness programmes ensures that our students are not only academically prepared but also emotionally balanced and equipped to navigate life’s challenges,” Rose said.

The initiative comes at a time when mental health professionals and educators across Jamaica are calling for greater attention to adolescent well-being.

SYMPTOMS CONSISTENT WITH DEPRESSION

According to Jamaica’s National Adolescent Health Survey, approximately one in five Jamaican adolescents reports symptoms consistent with depression, while anxiety and stress-related conditions are becoming more common among secondary school students.

Regional data from the Pan American Health Organization show that mental health disorders account for nearly 16 per cent of the disease burden among adolescents in the Americas, with depression ranking among the leading causes of illness and disability among young people aged 10 to 19.

Guidance counsellor Rose noted that academic pressure, social expectations, and the demands of modern student life can significantly impact mental health.

“Many students today face intense expectations, academically, socially, and even online. When schools invest in mental wellness initiatives, we create safe spaces where students can learn how to process stress and seek support when they need it.”

The donation emerged from a collaborative effort involving an organising committee and more than 200 alumni who attended “Back to School,” a special reunion event held in August 2025 in the same courtyard where the Class of 1990 once gathered as teenagers.

Organising committee member Rita Coore-Widener explained that the donation was inspired by reflection and a desire to support current students.

“As we looked back on our own years at Campion, many of us realised how much pressure students often carry, academically, socially, and personally. As parents and professionals now, we felt a responsibility to help create an environment where mental wellness is openly supported,” she said.

Following the cheque presentation, Acting Vice Principal and Master Teacher of Biology Kathryn Stewart led the alumni on a tour of the campus, highlighting recent developments and explaining how the new mental wellness initiatives will benefit students.

Coore-Widener urged students to prioritise emotional well-being as part of their journey toward success.

“Your mental health matters just as much as your academic achievements. We want you to know that it is okay to ask for help, to support your friends, and to take care of yourselves as you pursue excellence,” she said.