Fresh Check Day brings mental health awareness and community spirit to Stonehill

By Mack Eon

The quad at Stonehill College filled with music, laughter, and even the bleating of a baby goat during Fresh Check Day, an annual national event focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

This year’s program, held on September 19th from 1-4 P.M., featured 24 tables hosted by student clubs, campus resource offices, and community organizations, all offering activities designed to reduce stress, build connections, and raise awareness of campus support systems.

 Lydia Hogan, the Stonehill College Wellness Coordinator, explained the goals of the Wellness Office for the event.

 “To the wellness office, this event is so important for sharing resources to students, highlighting our office as a resource, and most of all showing students that they’re not alone; the Stonehill community is always there for them. I hope this day is a fun event that shows students how much we care,” she said.

Angelina Calsimitto ‘26 said the event offered a refreshing break from daily stress.

“Fresh Check Day gives Stonehill students a day to destress and interact with our community,” she said. “With the club tables and activities, it makes mental health awareness fun.”

Ashlyn Sheehy ‘26 echoed this sentiment.

“Things like Fresh Check Day give students an opportunity to focus on something other than classes and balance their life with said classes. Academics can be a stressful environment for anyone, and giving people a place to destress and socialize is so important,” she said.

Stonehill College President Father John Denning said the day reflects the values of the college community.

“It’s good to be out here on a nice day, and celebrate wellness, meeting new people, and get a holistic experience of our campus,” he said.

For some students, like Zane Bower ‘26 of the ROTC program, the event also provided a platform to highlight their own organizations.

“It is a good way to get involved with the students, and to create awareness for the ROTC program,” he said.

The Stonehill Police Department approached the day with energy and creativity, offering female students the chance to spar with an officer in full safety pads. Officer Aldo Romano said days like this are vital to the people at Campus PD.

“It allows people to see a different side of police officers. Community policing for us is vital to the safety and success of this college. I encourage everyone to approach at any event or on the job,” he said.

Some stations focused on bringing comfort in more gentle ways. Dawn Magan from Farm Visits, a local traveling petting zoo, brought rabbits, chickens, and a baby goat for students to enjoy.

“I’m a woman of few words, but I think it brings comfort and joy to people,” she said.

Photo Credit: Mack Eon

Lexi Moriarty ‘26 said the event created opportunities to connect with campus resources.

“I think it’s a great way to build community and get people out of their rooms,” she said. “It’s also really nice to interact with all of the campus resources in a fun manner.”

Maddie Narcavage ‘26 was happy to see a large turnout on the quad for Fresh Check Day.

“I feel like it’s a good way to bring people together and see so many different resources Stonehill has to offer, Fresh Check Day had a really good turnout so it’s great to see being a senior here at Stonehill,” she said.

The Office of Intercultural Affairs emphasized the importance of inclusion in mental health programming. Angel Sor ‘27 explained the office’s goals at the event.

“Our office’s goal is to represent marginalized groups such as people of color, LGBTQ+ students, and first-generation college students,” she said. “The mental health and overall health of unrepresented and marginalized groups matter to our office. We work to make sure all students who identify in such groups are supported and feel seen on campus.”

Campus Ministry also contributed to the theme of connection for the Fresh Check Day event. Ori Cappella ’26 and Brittany Lorgeree, Campus Minister for Community Engagement, expressed the values of their office in a written statement.

“As the community engagement program in Campus Ministry, our office values connection, invitation, and service. Whether it’s through random acts of kindness, check-ins with friends, or fun projects, we hope bringing people together is something that boosts Stonehill mental health and self-esteem, as well as makes our community a happier, more compassionate place,” they said.