Smiles, selfies, and laughter filled the hallways as students at Reese Education Center had a special visit from two therapy dogs for the annual Day of Hope. The Day of Hope was hosted by the Hope Squad at Reese, with students thoughtfully planning a day focused on spreading positivity and encouragement.
They started off the day by passing out stress balls and stickers as their classmates arrived in the morning. Throughout the day they played music during passing periods on the speakers. Later in the afternoon the Squad hosted an ice cream and hot chocolate party to wrap up the day.
“Events like Day of Hope break the monotony of the average school day,” said Elyse Evans, Communities in Schools Coordinator. “By bringing little bursts of joy throughout the day, we hope to remind students that life can be beautiful. We want students to remember that they are special and worth celebrating.”
Evans believes that engaging with animals can positively impact students' overall well-being.
“Research has shown that interacting with animals can help improve mental health. By boosting your serotonin levels, the brain turns these positive experiences into a positive outlook on life. Pure joy was written all over the students’ faces as they interacted with the dogs,” said Evans.
The two dogs that visited the campus were decked out in celebratory gear, reminding students that even small moments of joy can brighten their day and reinforce the importance of hope and connection.
Day of Hope serves as a reminder that moments of kindness and connection can make a lasting impact. Evans hopes that students cling to hope and recognize its power in shaping their future.
“Hope is a vital part of mental health and wellbeing. If a student doesn’t have hope for their future, they are less likely to put in the effort it takes to succeed,” said Evans. “Hope is the driving force behind every achievement.”
Through events like Day of Hope, Reese Education Center continues to foster a supportive and uplifting environment where every student feels valued and encouraged.