More than 100 parents, educators and staff filled the Pennridge High School auditorium Tuesday, Sept. 30 for the latest series. (Courtesy of David Thomas)
More than 100 parents, educators and staff filled the Pennridge High School auditorium Tuesday, Sept. 30 for the latest in the Pennridge School District’s “Transforming Stigma: Building Mental Strength for Life” series, an ongoing initiative aimed at breaking down barriers around mental health and equipping the community with practical tools.
This year’s first event featured several timely presentations. The first was PEAK Performance. Presented by the Caron Foundation and funded through Bucks County opioid settlement dollars, the program examined the high-pressure world of student athletics, exploring how competition and stress affect performance, confidence and self-worth and offering strategies for parents and athletes to protect their wellbeing both on and off the field, said a Pennridge School District press release.
The second presentation was iSMART for Caregivers. Led by NOVA (Network of Victim Assistance), the program highlighted the growing influence of digital life on young people, focusing on social media risks, online exploitation and how families can build open conversations that foster safety and resilience in the digital age, said the release.
This year’s program also featured presentations by Nick Emeigh, Associate Executive Director of NAMI Bucks County PA, and Keeley Rosenthal, Emergency & Court Services Coordinator and QPR Coordinator, County of Bucks, who talked about the importance of understanding mental illness and building protective factors for children and adolescents.
Building on momentum
The district launched the Transforming Stigma series in the fall of 2024, with a community-wide kickoff featuring mental health professionals, law enforcement and local partners. In January 2025, more than 50 staff members received QPR suicide-prevention training, signaling that the initiative was more than a one-time event. Tuesday night’s program, district leaders said, showed that the commitment to awareness and prevention is deepening, said the release.
“This event is an important step in ensuring our students, staff, and families have the tools they need to thrive,” said Superintendent Dr. Angelo Berrios. “Mental health is closely tied to learning, performance, and resilience, and raising awareness is critical. I thank our staff and community partners for making this program possible and for helping us provide meaningful supports where they are most needed.”
Keeley Rosenthal, Emergency & Court Services Coordinator and QPR Coordinator, Bucks County, gives a presentation on mental illness. (Courtesy of David Thomas)Ernest Johnson, Director of Student Services and Title IX Compliance Officer, noted the importance of addressing issues families face every day.
“The influence of social media on identity formation and self-esteem is a topic of significance for children and adolescents,” Johnson said. “Our obligation is to partner with organizations and law enforcement that can inform and educate around exploitation and safe use. Our emphasis on performance pressures and building a healthy culture for student-athletes also aligns with our focus on student wellness.”
Parents and teachers respond
For many attendees, the sessions struck a personal chord. Kimberly Rendler, a Pennridge elementary teacher and district parent, described the evening as both practical and inspiring.
“One of last night’s presentations highlighted some of the challenges that teens face today and how parents can help them cope,” said Rendler. “It was a powerful reminder of the importance of having open conversations with kids and maintaining that ongoing dialogue so that they feel comfortable sharing and feel supported. I really enjoyed the presentation on mental toughness in athletes … It was inspiring to hear how determination and resilience play such a big role in performance, which directly affects self-esteem and self-worth.”
Dean Behrens, a guidance counselor at Pennridge High School, said hosting such sessions within the school community sends an important message.
“In today’s fast-paced and often high-pressure environment, it is more important than ever to foster open, informed, and compassionate conversations around mental health,” said Behrens. “Events like this provide a valuable opportunity to raise awareness, break down stigma, and equip individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to support themselves and others.”
Attendees listen to the presentations. (Courtesy of David Thomas)“Supporting mental health is just as important as academic achievement, and together we can ensure every student feels seen, heard, and supported,” added school board president Ron Wurz.
The district said that the Transforming Stigma series will continue to grow through partnerships with organizations like NAMI Bucks County, St. Luke’s Penn Foundation, the Caron Foundation, NOVA and law enforcement, said the release.
As Rendler stated, the lessons from the evening were clear.
“The tips parents were given to support their children in a positive way were invaluable,” said Rendler.
