From lightsaber hunts to chalk art, counselors created meaningful, joyful moments that put student well-being at the center of the school day.

May was Mental Health Awareness Month, and across Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD), school counselors turned that recognition into something students could see, feel, and take part in. From elementary playgrounds to middle school hallways, every campus came alive with activities designed to build connections, spark conversations, and equip students with the tools to care for their mental health.

At Dwyer and Sowers Middle Schools, counselors leaned into a galaxy-themed campaign, May the Force of Mental Health Be With You, that had students writing coping strategies on stars, hunting for glowing green lightsabers hidden around campus for wellness prizes, and participating in a Robyne's Nest mental health lesson. The month wrapped up with a "You're Not Alone in the Galaxy" raffle that invited students to reflect on their trusted allies.

At the elementary level, counselors delivered age-matched experiences across every campus, from Bubble Breathing with the youngest learners to Kahoot games and peer affirmation cards for upper grades heading into state testing.

Here are some additional highlights from the month:

• Across both middle school campuses, students participated in structured mental health lessons throughout May, providing a shared language and space for them to engage with social-emotional concepts together.

• Elementary students picked up a Mental Health passport at recess and collected "stamps" by completing a series of mental health activities, earning special prizes along the way, making well-being feel like an achievement worth celebrating.

• Younger students learned to identify emotions and practice deep breathing through movement and play. Classes also explored the difference between physical and mental health,  an important early foundation for lifelong well-being.

• Upper-grade students wrote positive affirmation cards for their classmates, and each student received one just before sitting down to take the state test, a small gesture with a big impact on confidence and calm.

These activities reflect more than a calendar observance. They are a direct expression of HBCSD's Strategic Plan Priority 2: Supportive School Environments, a district-wide commitment to providing students with the resources and tools necessary to develop their social-emotional skills and support learning and well-being. When a third grader writes down a coping strategy, or a middle schooler names their Jedi ally, they are practicing skills that serve them far beyond the school day.

Thank you to our counselors, Ariana Garcia, Lisa Henry, Bailey Kaufmann, Paul Lennon, Mei Pauw, and Ani Samoniantz, for making mental health something students are proud to talk about.