Kennedy’s Circle is a student-led club dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and emotional well-being within this school community. The club was created to give students a safe, supportive space where they can openly discuss mental health, learn healthy coping strategies and build lifelong tools for resilience and self-care.
In a world where stress, pressure and anxiety are increasingly common among students, Kennedy’s Circle aims to remind everyone that they are not alone and that their mental health truly matters. “I have been through my own things and I know that I wish someone who understood could have helped me and been there for me, so I really hope people find comfort in my club,” club president and junior Ava Nieto said.
The mission of Kennedy’s Circle is to help students learn how to manage stress in healthy ways, understand their emotions and prioritize their overall well-being. Through open conversations, interactive activities and shared experiences, the club encourages honesty, empathy and understanding. “My friend runs the club, and so I go to their meetings and there is just something about kids your age who understand that brings comfort to me,” junior Londyn Fraley said.
Meetings focus on creating a welcoming environment where students feel safe expressing themselves without fear of judgment. Whether someone is dealing with everyday stress or more serious challenges, Kennedy’s Circle works to ensure that every student feels heard, supported and empowered.
Kennedy’s Circle was inspired by Kennedy, a beloved family member of Nieto, who tragically lost her life to mental illness at just 16 years old. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of how important mental health awareness and support truly are. In her memory, the club is committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging open dialogue. By honoring Kennedy’s life, the club hopes to turn loss into purpose and compassion into action, ensuring that no student has to struggle in silence. “I think the story that made Ava start the club is so deep and I am just extremely grateful and excited to be a part of something that might help someone,” sophomore Zenia Shaikh said.
In addition to meaningful discussions, Kennedy Circle plans supportive wellness activities, service initiatives and outreach efforts that promote positivity and connection. These activities help students practice self-care, build strong peer relationships and develop coping skills they can use throughout their lives. The club also works to educate the school community about mental health resources and the importance of checking in on one another.
Kennedy’s Circle is led by a dedicated group of student officers who are passionate about making a difference. Nieto is the president of the club, making all the lessons for meetings and making sure that the club runs smoothly. Junior Peace Tiam serves as vice-president and helps lead during lessons, as well as sends emails to club sponsors. Sophomore Justice Key serves as events coordinator, also leading lessons. Junior Prachi Chaun serves as the secretary, helping keep the club organized and informed. Sophomore Rojeen Ghias is the treasurer and manages club finances. Sophomore Zenia Shaikh is the wellness and activities coordinator, planning engaging and supportive events. Junior Malia Bellamy serves as community and service coordinator, while junior Melissa Lopez leads outreach and social media efforts. Junior Edlawit Abebe is the peer support leader, and junior Matthew Nieto serves as historian.
These are all kids who want to make a difference and make sure that the kids who struggle in silence, just like Kennedy did, are heard and helped in the best way possible.
