Olympian Samantha Livingstone shares inspiring mental health insights
Coach Perry Pappas, Speaker Samantha Arsenault Livingstone, WEF Director Elizabeth Russell and student attendees posed for a photo after the presentation.
Students and families of the Wakefield Public Schools were invited to hear Olympic Gold Medalist Samantha Arsenault Livingstone's inspirational story and hold her Gold Medal Sunday afternoon at Landrigan Field. The Olympic gold medalist, educator and mental health activist spoke of the highs and lows in her journey and gave students permission to ask for help and prioritize their mental health to elevate their well being as a person and an athlete.
This inspiring talk was made possible by the Wakefield Educational Foundation. Boys' Cross Country and Track and Field Head Coach, Perry Pappas, applied for and was awarded a WEF Grant in Fall of 2019. Originally the talk was scheduled for March of 2020 and then canceled due to Covid-19 restrictions. Coach Pappas believed that Samantha had an important message to share with our students and was diligent in working with Samantha and the WPS Administration to reschedule her talk.
Coach Pappas' believed Livingstone's message was salient and relatable: "I felt strongly that every student should hear Samantha's message to help them navigate the challenges they face in their lives. Her unique perspective was very relatable to kids who are dealing with pressures that come with being students, athletes, musicians, or any other activity they may be involved in. I believe that those who attended were impacted in a positive way thanks to Samantha's story".
Livingstone mesmerized her audience with her compelling story, her warm and engaging style and her desire to cast a light on the importance of caring for both body and mind. Students and parents asked questions and enjoyed the opportunity to hold her Gold Medal.
Coach Pappas expressed his appreciation to WEF for their support of this important presentation: “I am very thankful to the Wakefield Educational Foundation for funding this presentation. It wouldn't have been possible without WEF's support.”
To support the grant process, WEF receives generous funding from key local business partners, private donors, and a series of annual fundraisers including: WEF’s Wakefield Public Schools Calendar; the S.T.A.R.S. program, recognizing exemplary WPS staff; Chocolate Roses; and the Adult Spelling Bee. WEF has awarded over $400,000 across the Wakefield Public Schools district since 1989.