Between various amounts of fun and exciting clubs at Manchester High School, there are occasionally clubs that have deeper meanings and informative messages. Morgan’s message is a club at Manchester whose purpose is to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health for student-athletes, hosted typically on Thursdays in the open or closed commons by Coach Hutchings, Eden Keene, and Delaney Walker.
Morgan Rodgers was a passionate high school student-athlete who got into a dream-shattering knee injury that plummeted her self-worth as she couldn’t return to the field for a long while. On July 11, 2019, Morgan died at the age of 22 from suicide. Morgan’s message stands for the wellbeing and mental health of students, whose goal and mission is to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health for student-athletes.
“We elevate her story to provide a platform where others feel safe to share their own, be a catalyst for change within our mental healthcare systems and foster a community for which tomorrow always exists. Morgan’s Message is clear: as an athlete, there is no shame in seeking physical healthcare — the same should be true for mental healthcare,” Morgan’s Message.
I interviewed member Morgan Gibson to give me a little insight on the club, specifically why she would recommend joining.
“ Because it gives athletes a sense of community when they’re going through mental health struggles they aren’t alone,” Gibson commented.
Morgan’s message is a safe place for athletes and others to commune and discuss mental health issues that aren’t highlighted in the school setting. During club you can expect to do the following.
“ During club we discuss tactics and strategies to overcome mental health struggles, specifically self-doubt along with other insecurities,” Gibson explained.
Overall, Morgan’s message is a safe place for athletes and students struggling with mental health, and want a safe place to be able to talk about what you’re going through.
“ Although her life was cut way too short, Morgan’s legacy of unconditional love remains. Her energy empowers those she has left behind to transform devastation into action,” Morgan’s Message.
