TARPON SPRINGS, FL – Students from St. Petersburg Collegiate High School – North Pinellas (SPCHS-NP) are making a vibrant impact on their community through a collaborative art project focused on mental health awareness. Members of the school’s Interact Club and National Honor Society (NHS) joined forces with Speak Up! Let’s Talk About Mental Health and the City of Safety Harbor to create a meaningful mural at North City Park.
Speak Up! Let’s Talk About Mental Health, a local organization dedicated to destigmatizing mental illness and providing crucial resources and education, received a grant from the McDonald’s Golden Arches Foundation to fund this community art initiative. The vision for the mural, brought to life by artists Mena and Tom Kiernan, emphasizes the vital themes of kindness, diversity, and inclusion.
SPCHS-NP Interact and NHS students enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to contribute their time and creativity to this project.
“The mural project taught my classmates and me that even simple changes in our community can create a more positive environment. This painting was able to bring our group an emboldened sense of pride and connection,” said Interact President Tommy Flood.
This partnership aligns with one of Speak Up!’s key priorities for 2025: increasing youth involvement in community projects. “Projects like these give students the opportunity to give back, learn teamwork, communicate effectively, and explore their creative side – all of which contribute significantly to their mental well-being,” explained Handley. “Too often, we hear negative narratives about young people. However, I’ve found that when you take the time to connect with them and provide engaging opportunities, everyone benefits. The students who helped with our mural project beautifully demonstrated this. Community members present were incredibly impressed by their dedication and positive engagement. It was remarkable to see them interacting and helping for 4-5 hours without being on their phones. This was a wonderful example of teamwork and the positive outcomes of kindness.”
Stephanie Pawlowicz, Assistant Principal at SPCHS-NP, echoed this sentiment. “We are incredibly proud of our students and their willingness to dedicate their time to such a valuable cause. This project not only enhances our community but also allows our students to develop essential leadership skills along the way.”
The completed mural at North City Park in Safety Harbor serves as a powerful visual reminder of the importance of mental well-being, kindness, diversity, and inclusion.
About Speak Up! Let’s Talk About Mental Health:
Speak Up! Let’s Talk About Mental Health is a dedicated organization working to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness. They provide resources, education, and promote awareness regarding mental health, mental illness, and suicide prevention within the community.
About St. Petersburg Collegiate High School – North Pinellas:
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School – North Pinellas (SPCHS-NP) offers a unique educational experience, allowing students to earn an associate degree while completing their high school diploma. The school encourages community involvement and fosters leadership skills among its students.
