FOCUS Monthly Newsletter

FOCUS Monthly Newsletter

May 2025

Class of 2025 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

As the school year comes to an end, we would like to recognize some amazing members of the Class of 2025 who have made a positive impact within the FOCUS and peer helping programs at their schools. They were each nominated by their sponsors, and we are excited to share a few highlights about these young leaders who are so passionate about being of service to others.

Carson Anderson

Hewitt-Trussville High School

Once her tassel is turned, Carson Anderson will be attending the University of South Alabama, where she will major in biology. She has a bright future ahead of her, and will leave behind a legacy of leadership at Hewitt-Trussville High School. From playing club volleyball and performing in her high school choir, to serving as a counselor at YMCA Camp Cosby, Carson has proven to be a well-rounded student. In addition to her extracurricular activities, she has been an integral part of Dana DePew’s FOCUS program. DePew shared that “Carson has been an invaluable FOCUS leader in our school. She is always eager to help lead any project or event, and she encourages others to be involved as well. I love her positive attitude, kind heart, and genuine desire to help others.”

Carson credits FOCUS for giving her the opportunity to meet people that she would have never talked to before, both from other schools as well as her own. She shared, “FOCUS has taught me to be there for people even if you may not know them, because they may not have someone they can rely on. A quote I love that I heard at the Thompson leadership event, described how you have the ability to make a change no matter how small it might be, and it will have a good impact on someone and their day.”

Alhaj Butler

Fairfield High Preparatory School

Alhaj Butler, described as a friend to all and great leader who can be counted on, has had a busy senior year participating in baseball, band, and working after school hours. However, his rigorous schedule has not stopped him from laying the foundation for Fairfield’s FOCUS program. Alhaj has helped lead the group since its inception three years ago. While looking back at his service to FOCUS, Alhaj reflected, “I love that InFOCUS has shown me a lot of mental health resources that I never knew existed. It gave me opportunities to explore more places in the world and helped me become a better leader.” His sponsor, Emily Herring Bryan, enthusiastically shared, “his positive attitude, connection to his peers, willingness to jump in, and his ability to keep us all laughing make him an excellent leader. We are proud of the impact he has made in our school and district, and we will miss him as he graduates and begins his next steps!”

Katherine Miller Morgan

Jacksonville High School

From serving as captain of the dance line and swim team to performing in school plays and community theatre, Miller Morgan is one of the most accomplished students you will meet. She balances school and work while earning accolades in various clubs, honor and leadership societies. Out of all of her accomplishments, Miller maintains that peer helping has made the greatest impact to her personally. Miller shared, "Before I joined the FOCUS program at my school, I never believed it could impact me in the way it has so far. I have become a happier and more empathetic person. I have friends that I never thought I would have, and I feel better talking to people I wouldn't normally talk to. Without Peer Helping at my school and our FOCUS Rallies, I would still be the same person I was three years ago, and she was not a very nice person. I would love to give the FOCUS program the biggest thank you for new friends, new knowledge, and a new meaning."

Miller will be greatly missed next year. Her sponsor, Jennifer Loos, stated that “Miller never stops serving others. She is an outstanding student, and she is always willing to go above and beyond to assist others and stand out as a role model for our students, all while juggling many tasks in and outside of school. Miller has truly been an asset to the JHS Focus Program.”

Congratulations to Carson, Alhaj and Miller! You have set the bar high, and we know that you have MADE A DIFFERENCE at your schools and in your communities. Thank you for your contributions to the FOCUS program!

Sponsors, we encourage you to nominate your remarkable young leaders. Please contact amymccreless@thefocusprogram.com

Estamos emocionados de anunciar que estos materiales están ahora disponibles en Español!

Are you in need of FOCUS resources in Spanish? We are excited to announce that brochures and mental health posters are now available. Thanks to the Hewitt-Trussville FOCUS students, materials are organized in mailing tubes, and they are ready to be sent your way. Please contact sjones@thefocusprogram.com to be added to our mailing list. In addition, these documents are available for download on our website.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. With skin cancer being the most common type of cancer in the United States, it is important for young people to protect themselves from UV exposure during childhood and adolescence. The Skin Cancer Foundation has excellent, free resources available. Their education program, Sun Smart U, will help you teach your students about the importance of sun protection. The interactive lessons, “Rays Awareness: Preventing Skin Cancer,” are medically reviewed, and they include true stories from young survivors. Lesson plans include objectives, powerpoints, quizzes and more! Encourage a safe summer sendoff by empowering your students to be sun smart!

NEW Leadership Award Certificates Available!

Do you have students who have gone above and beyond this school year? We know you want students to strive for excellence, and we are pleased to announce that FOCUS Leadership Award certificates are now available on our home page under Printable Resources. Let’s celebrate our youth who continue to Make A Difference by going the extra mile!

Hewitt-Trussville High School's FOCUS Group

April was a busy month for Hewitt-Trussville High School’s FOCUS group, sponsored by Dana DePew. 48 of her members worked collaboratively with HOSA to hold a Wellness Fair, where 30 exhibitors and vendors were available. 1,500 students and staff were in attendance, and they had a great time with the interactive health and wellness exhibits, including blood pressure screenings. Congratulations to these students and their sponsor for MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

Help Starts Here

211 Connects Alabama

Dialing 2-1-1 connects you to a trained operator 24/7 that has access to a comprehensive database with a multitude of services in your community.

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Monthly Health Observances

We encourage all FOCUS schools to engage in at least one health observance activity each month. Each month has some excellent choices for students on your campuses to “Make a Difference” and to encourage their peers to participate.

May