The West Prairie Press

By Madilynn Tones

West Prairie Junior/Senior High School hosted its first “Whirlwind to Wellness” Day on April 17, 2026, giving students opportunities to explore mental health, build practical life skills and connect with community resources. 

The event was organized by social worker Brooke Beckner and assistant principal Brittany Thompson, who began planning in October after securing a “Bend Don’t Break” grant through FFA. The funding supported a keynote speaker and a variety of breakout sessions tailored to student needs identified through the SAEBRS Mental Health Screener. 

The event was held on a 12:30 dismissal day, making it an ideal fit for the schedule. The format included an hourlong assembly in the gym, followed by four 30-minute session rotations and concluding with lunch, allowing students to engage fully without the constraints of a typical academic day.

“Our goal was simple,” Beckner said. “We wanted students to learn practical skills they can use inside and outside of school, make connections with people in the community and gain resources that support their success.” 

Planning the day required months of coordination, including scheduling sessions, organizing student sign-ups and communicating with more than 20 presenters. Representatives from Memorial Medical Clinic, Western Illinois University, LLCU Credit Union, Therapeutic Solutions in Macomb, local fitness centers and the U.S. National Guard contributed their expertise. 

Seventh grader Cutler Arnold said one session stood out.

“It was my first time ever trying Zumba, and I really enjoyed it because I got to stretch and listen to music,” Arnold said. 

Students rotated through sessions such as financial literacy, fitness activities, conflict resolution and mindfulness, allowing them to experience a range of strategies for maintaining wellness.

Lisa Davison, a junior high special education teacher, said the day’s impact went beyond individual sessions.

“I would say that WP Wellness Day was a huge success,” Davison said. “It showed students different ways to take care of themselves and gave them tools and perspectives from professionals. It also showed them that we care about them as people, not just their grades.” 

Davison highlighted the keynote speaker’s ability to connect with students and encourage self-reflection, noting that students were reminded they can control how they respond to challenges.

Senior Skylar Hunt also viewed the day positively.

“I thoroughly enjoyed all of the sessions,” Hunt said. “My favorite was ‘Ruff Day’ because a dog can always calm me down. I think the day was a success because students deserve a break, especially at the end of the year.” 

According to Beckner, student feedback supported that perspective. Of the 187 students who completed a survey, the event received an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars. 

“There’s always room to grow,” Beckner said. “We’d like to bring in new presenters and continue improving organization for future events.” 

Beckner plans to make Wellness Day a recurring event, held every other year to maintain quality and allow for continued development.

The day concluded with a meal prepared by the food science class, led by agriculture teacher and FFA adviser Sam DeCounter, providing a final opportunity for students to come together and reflect on the experience. 

As West Prairie continues to build its focus on student well-being, events like Whirlwind to Wellness highlight the importance of supporting both academic and personal growth.