3rd Annual GOLD Program Creates a Supportive Environment for LAHS Students
The Lewisburg Area High School (LAHS) held its 3rd annual GOLD (Growth Opportunities and Leadership Development) night on December 6, 2024, with support from The Green Dragon Foundation through The Charles and Betty Degenstein Foundation and The Charles B. Degenstein Foundation. Sixty-seven students participated and 15 staff members collaborated to produce the event. The evening of support and fellowship engaged students in several small and large group sessions where they had the opportunity to express themselves, learn coping skills, and build connections with their peers, leaders, and staff.
Now in its 3rd year, the GOLD program gives female 9th grade students an opportunity to come together in a supportive and positive environment. Students spent the evening learning about empowerment, healthy relationships and consent, self-image and self-confidence, coping mechanisms for anxiety and depression, and other topics. Most importantly students left the event knowing that they can call upon trusted school staff members or peers if they need help or guidance.
Student reactions were very positive and included: “I am glad our school does something like this.“; “I think this is something that should be offered forever.”; and “It truly brings out the honesty and kindness from your peers.” Program leader, teacher Claire Gault, thanked The Green Dragon Foundation for their support and expressed her hope of repeating the program for incoming students next fall.
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