The Bayport-Blue Point school district held a ribbon-cutting on Monday, Nov. 25th to unveil the outdoor portion of its wellness center built to operate as a sanctuary for students to combat their inner turmoil.
This comes ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday break, in conjunction with the conclusion of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and after a tragic trio of losses that have rocked their community over the past couple of years.
This outdoor space complements the Indoor Wellness Center, first unveiled back in February, furthering the district’s noble initiative: to prioritize the social, emotional, and mental health needs of its students moving forward.
Accompanying the “P.S. I Love You Day”-introduced “Indoor Wellness Center’s” quick access to the school psychologist and social workers, and soft music relaxations, notable components included within the Outdoor Wellness Center are: a sensory garden, labyrinth walk, a trellis, paths, benches, and three shade trees—one each in honor of Chris Coluccio, Chase Nasca and Gabby Petito, respectively.
“I am grateful beyond words for how our small town held each other up during these tragedies,” Superintendent of Schools Timothy Hearney said of the two high-profile suicides of then-district students, and domestic violence-related homicide of a recent alum.
“In the 2021-22 school year, we lost two high school students within months of each other… in our sadness, we felt helpless, overwhelmed, scared, and lost. Together, we understand the scope of loss and the depth of mourning. It was that grief that led to the personal connections—and vision—that ultimately helped us to move forward.”
Hearney thanked the school district, the Board of Education, donors and small businesses like the Knapp-Swezey Foundation, Island Outreach, the Gardiner Foundation, All-County Block, BBS Architects, and Park East Construction, along with the families of victims instrumental in carrying the legacy of their lost children forward, for all their efforts in bringing this special space to fruition.
“It really does give me extreme pleasure to see the transformation from 50 years ago—we just had our reunion—at the high school. It is phenomenal. Every time I walk in recently, I’m in amazement at what has happened,” said Donald Knapp, of Bayport-Blue Point High School’s Class of 1974.
“When I went to high school, mental health was not even discussed,” he adds. “It wasn’t even a discussion. We worked to the forefront and we sincerely hope that this will be another tool for the toolbox to assist in dealing with that issue, which we now recognize. We thank the school administration for being so supportive of the project.”
Speaking of: said Principal Jamal Walcott during the ceremony: “Dr. Hearney did all the hard work… this is truly a special day, and an honor to be a part of this. Being a part of this groundbreaking effort—this beautiful indoor and outdoor facility is truly remarkable.”
A pair of elected local leaders were also in attendance to share a few words about what the outdoor wellness center means to them on a personal level.
“There are so many beautiful and wonderful parts of our community that we love and are proud of,” said Brookhaven Councilman Neil Foley. “I think this area over here—what you all have created—will save people’s lives,” said Brookhaven Councilman Neil Foley.
Like Knapp, Islip Councilman John Lorenzo does not remember much focus on mental health whatsoever during his upbringing. “To have a place where the young can go outside and sit and reflect… or maybe have a conversation with someone, is well-needed,” he said. “It’s a great project.”
“This is such a tremendous day,” said Katie Edwards, senior, member of the Superintendent Council since the third grade, and one of the six students Hearney singled out for organizing the 5k Coco Run for Suicide Awareness to be held on December 14th.
“It is so awesome to see so many people in the community involved,” Edwards added. “Seeing your hard work and dedication is simply astonishing. It does not go unnoticed.”
Hearney recalls doubling down on resisting the standard-issue wisdoms offered whenever tragedy strikes.
“In preparing for today, I took my own advice and reflected on the past few years. We’ve all heard the expression: ‘Don’t take it so personally.’ As superintendent of schools, I think about that often, and am grateful that we did.”
“In taking it personally,” Hearney adds, “we’ve made a meaningful difference for the new generation of BBP students.”
Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death after unintentional injury among people ages 10 to 34 in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
In the Bayport-Blue Point School District, they are doing everything they possibly can to make sure it does not happen to one of their own again.
Our mantra is not just words,” ‘those words being ‘Belong, Believe, Possible,’ Hearney says, “but actions.”
“The wellness center is not only a first for our community, it is significant for all communities in Suffolk County. However, what matters most is not being first. But it’s what the wellness center symbolizes and represents,” said Principal Walcott.
“It symbolizes that every student at Bayport-Blue Point High School, we see you,” he adds. “We see you as individuals, not just an AP or regents or SAT score. We understand the ups and downs of life. We have developed a facility and a staff that will not only acknowledge the challenges, but also create supportive environments to address them.”
“At BBP, no student is left behind.”