Greater Lowell Technical High School Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month with Engaging Events and Community Partnerships

Ivan, one of several therapeutic alpacas that visited the Greater Lowell Technical High School campus earlier this month as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, looks at the camera during his visit. The visit was part of an initiative to explore Alpaca-Assisted Therapy, a growing wellness practice that promotes mindfulness and emotional support through interaction with animals. (Photo Courtesy Greater Lowell Technical High School)

TYNGSBOROUGH — Greater Lowell Technical High School (GLTHS) kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month in inspiring fashion with a dynamic series of events aimed at educating students, fostering emotional well-being, and creating opportunities for meaningful connection.

Planned by the school’s dedicated Counselors and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Committee, the month-long initiative includes a variety of fun and educational experiences designed to help students better understand, recognize, and regulate their emotions.

The celebration began with the 3rd Annual Mental Health Fair on Wednesday, April 30, which welcomed more than 1,100 students, twice the number from last year. Eight local community partners joined the fair to share resources, lead interactive activities, and offer practical mental health tips. GLTHS’s own Health/Medical, Cosmetology, and Marketing programs, along with the school’s Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA), also contributed by providing facts, demonstrations, and cognitive strategies to help students manage their mental well-being.

Students enthusiastically participated in the event, engaging in activities such as bracelet making, CrossFit exercises, balance board challenges, and physical self-regulation techniques. The interactive environment sparked curiosity, encouraged self-reflection, and helped normalize conversations around mental health.

Adding a special touch to the month’s kickoff was a visit from Harvard Alpaca Ranch, which brought two therapeutic alpacas, Sir Erik and Ivan, to campus. A small group of students had the chance to pet and feed the animals — an unforgettable experience for many, with some students sharing that they had never touched an animal before.

“We wanted to do something memorable and meaningful to start the month,” said Lauren Friedman, GLTHS SEL Committee Coordinator. “The alpacas brought smiles, sparked conversation, and reminded everyone of the importance of mental wellness and the different ways we can support it.”

The visit was part of an initiative to explore Alpaca-Assisted Therapy, a growing wellness practice that promotes mindfulness and emotional support through interaction with animals. GLTHS hopes to expand this unique experience to the wider school community in the future.

Throughout the rest of May, GLTHS will continue its Mental Health Awareness campaign by focusing on different weekly themes, including Mindfulness, Positivity, Wellness, Emotional Awareness, Relaxation, and Social Connection. On each designated day, students can look forward to activities during lunch periods, engaging displays, and giveaways such as bracelets, keychains, and stress balls featuring positive affirmations.

“GLTHS is demonstrating its dedication to whole-student wellness by equipping students with valuable resources, effective coping strategies, and opportunities to build joyful connections,” said Superintendent Jill Davis. “These initiatives help students navigate daily challenges, succeed academically and vocationally, and lay the foundation for a healthier, more balanced future.”