Shoreham-Wading River School District’s Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services Tracy Von Eschen and Director of Physical Education and Athletics Eric Bramoff collaborated on a colorful and visible way to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month with a green shoelaces initiative. Green, which symbolizes mental health awareness, growth and hope is the cornerstone of the district’s theme of “Mental Health Matters. You Matter.”

The district provided the laces to all student-athletes at both middle and high school levels to serve as a reminder throughout May that mental wellbeing deserves the same attention and care as physical health.

“This simple gesture is aimed at helping to start important conversations about mental health and reminds our students that it is okay to talk about mental health,” Mrs. Von Eschen said. “We want them to know that support is always available and that everyone’s wellbeing matters.”

Special thanks to SWRHS’s social worker Ms. Jaclyn Anci for her help in coordinating this project and the high school art department for your assistance!

Date Added: 5/29/2025