When Ohio State's Head Football Coach Ryan Day and his wife Nina Day visited Arts Impact Middle School (AIMS) in Columbus, it wasn't game strategies they were sharing with the students. The respected sports figure and his partner, according to Columbus City Schools' (CCS) recent announcement, focused on a playbook of a different sort—one tackling mental health awareness and self-care.
As students and faculty gave a resounding welcome, cheers nearly shaking the gym, the Days took center stage to discuss an issue that often goes unseen but is just as critical as physical health. Chimeik McNeal, an eighth grader at AIMS, felt the weight of their words, saying, "It was empowering, and it meant more coming from a head football coach that has won a National Championship," Ryan Day told CCS.
In partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital and their nonprofit, The Kids Mental Health Foundation, the Days brought more than just motivational speeches. They were there to provide tangible support, as evidenced by kits filled with activities and guides for the classrooms. Recognizing that mental health needs are universal, they shared personal anecdotes, encouraging students to speak up and reach out, with Nina Day stating via CCS, "No matter who you have in your life...talk to somebody about your mental health."
During the assembly, it was not just about learning coping mechanisms; Ryan and Nina Day also engaged directly with the students. They answered questions that ranged from handling stress to the nuances of football. Some students were already clutching the new classroom resources provided, as they returned to their classes, determined to apply the day's lessons in their daily lives. "I learned what mental health means and don’t be afraid to ask for help," Julius Scott, an eighth grader, shared his takeaway from the event.
AIMS Assistant Principal Joshua Battistone observed the poignant effects of the visit on both students and staff, underscoring that the Day couple's message transcended all boundaries. "Students heard that it doesn’t matter who you are, where you are from, what you do, or what you look like... Mental health affects us all and we all have a part to maintain and ensure we have the resources to support our mental health," he conveyed to CCS.
