Jackson County Behavioral Health is sponsoring The Lion Heart Experience at area middle schools and Black River Falls High School September 23-26. Blair-Taylor, Whitehall, and Osseo-Fairchild school districts have also chosen to add a presentation for their high school students. In addition, Jackson County Behavioral Health will be hosting a community presentation, which is new this year. Jessica Stinson, Manager of the Jackson County Behavioral Health Division said, “We are excited to add a community presentation this year so others in our community, including parents, caregivers, adults, really anyone, can experience the Lion Heart group. A lot of students last year went home telling the adults in their life what a great experience it was and we want everyone in the community to be able to have the same experience as the students.” The community presentation is free and open to everyone of all ages. It will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25th at the Tiger Fieldhouse in Black River Falls (connected to the Lunda Center).
Named Detroit’s Teacher of the Year in 2021, Joe Vercellino and his team specialize in talks, trainings, and performances in schools focused on reconnecting students and educators to a sense of worth. Known for his warmth, vulnerability and quick connections with young people; Joe and his crew of past students bring a compelling message of worth and identity to schools nationwide with performances wrapped in original music, visual art and a narrative that reaches the deepest part of all of us. The group visits hundreds of thousands of students each year and is the premier performing and training group for students and educators. They address mental health awareness, substance abuse prevention, social-emotional learning, anti-bullying, and general school improvement.
Middle school years are some of the most pivotal years of transition for a young person. There are significant developments in their understanding of social-structure. Many middle school students’ first powerful experiences with rejection, shame or embarrassment are happening, and they are discovering natural abilities, talents, and early passions. They have to develop courage to take social-risks and apply the results to a long-term view of themselves. Middle school students start to experience autonomy in picking a schedule and often start using social-media. Experimentation in social groups often leaves students with a polarized view of themselves fitting in, which may result in them feeling like an outcast. They seek ways to feel included, not only among their peers, but to be accepted by themselves. High school students are often hammered with big questions of the direction of their lives. They end up learning to juggle different versions of themselves in school, on social media, and with family. They are often lonely, somehow connected and entirely disconnected from both their peers and themselves. The Lion Heart Experience offers a performance and message that brings everyone in the room to the same human level needing to know and understand that they bring something valuable to their school, friendships, and families. They address themes of anxiety, depression, and suicide awareness.
The performance schedule:
Black River Falls High School
Monday, September 23rd
10 a.m.
Black River Falls Middle School
Monday, September 23rd
1:30 p.m.
Osseo-Fairchild Middle School
Tuesday, September 24th
10 a.m.
Osseo-Fairchild High School
Tuesday, September 24th
1:00 p.m.
Melrose-Mindoro Middle School
Wednesday, September 25th
9 a.m.
Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan Middle School
Wednesday, September 25th
1:30 p.m.
Community Presentation
Wednesday, September 25th
6:30 p.m.
Tiger Field House, Black River Falls (connected to Lunda Center)
Whitehall/Blair-Taylor Middle School (@ Whitehall)
Thursday, September 26th
10 a.m.
Whitehall/Blair-Taylor High School (@ Whitehall)
Thursday, September 26th
1 p.m.
For more information, you can visit: https://thelionheartexperience.com/.