Atlanta INtown and Reporter Newspapers named Leah Cox ’24, Samar Kibe ’24, and Landon Denker ’24 to its annual “20 Under 20” list of students for 2023. The papers annually recognize young people who give back to the community through volunteerism and philanthropic work, bringing “positivity and leadership to the metro.”
Leah and Samar worked together to create Lovett’s Mental Health Liaisons with the goal of bringing attention to student mental health and training peer liaisons who can create student-directed programming around mental health and serve as links between students and counseling staff. The duo said about the creation of the Mental Health Liaisons: “In 2020, mental health-related doctor’s visits for adolescents ages 13-18 increased sharply. Teenagers going to these appointments were most frequently diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder. There has never been a time more important to address these issues. We need to take action now, in order to be proactive instead of reactive when tragedy strikes.” In addition, Leah coordinates Lovett’s Tanzania Tutoring program in partnership with the Buckhead Rotary Club and phone banked and registered young people to vote. Samar is an active member of the debate team and organizes Lovett’s Model UN team.
Landon launched a website and initiative called FiveStar Comeback to help provide high school student-athletes everywhere with mental health resources and inspirational stories of their comeback from injury. The initiative started as a project in his Ethical Leadership Class after he saw teammates mentally struggle during physical rehab and recovery and wanted to help them. The website has been shared with all Georgia High School Association member schools and Landon has been invited to speak to children and athletes about the values of hard work, determination, commitment, and teamwork, which have helped athletically and in the classroom. “Sports are so important to students because they teach them individual responsibility and being part of a team,” he said. “High school sports can create friendships that last a lifetime. I also believe high school sports build leadership and character.”
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