Last year, Lima Christian School implemented the first annual LCS Strong Day to shed light on mental illness, as well as to foster and grow our school community. As we were still in the midst of the pandemic last year, the first theme was “Better Together.” This year’s theme is “Speak Life!”

LCS Strong Day 2022 will be held on Thursday, May 26th, beginning at 4pm. We will have speakers and music, a bonfire, games, food available, and an ice cream truck. Our goal is to provide insight into mental illness, remember God’s love for us, and promote fellowship among the LCS community.

What is mental illness and why are we talking about it? According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “a mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood.” Things like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and eating disorders are among the most recognized mental illnesses today.

  • 1 in 6 US youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
  • 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14

On the heels of the Covid-19 pandemic, like many other schools across the country, we have seen a rise in students struggling with mental illness. Here at LCS, we are in a unique position to be able to give attention to each and every student. Our small, tight-knit community allows us to support our students in important ways, and we love our students dearly! This is why LCS Strong Day was born.

Our goal is to have as many students participate in LCS Strong Day as possible! During the week leading up to the event, we will come together as a school and wear matching colors to show our unity! Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” To promote unity, the students will be encouraged to wear the following colors:

  • Monday, May 23: Red
  • Tuesday, May 24: Yellow
  • Wednesday, May 25: Green
  • Thursday, May 26: Blue & White or LCS gear!

In classes, students will also be writing notes of encouragement and kind words on Post-It Notes to build each other up (1Thessalonians 5:11)! They will place their Post-Its on each other’s lockers, desks, and classroom doors. Our prayer is that by Thursday, May 26th, the school is covered in encouraging notes and kindness. In a dark world, the body of Christ must come together in support of one another, speaking life into each other.

We would love to have as much participation as possible! If you have any questions or would like to help out with LCS strong day, please feel free to contact school counselor Stacy Tripp. We look forward to a fun week!