Focused on encouraging mental health advocacy among teens through meetings, campus initiatives, and community service, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a safe space that helps Brea Olinda High School students navigate the stress of academics, bullying, and the negative impacts of digital media.
BOHS’s NAMI chapter (there are 600 affiliates of the organization nationwide) was created in 2023 by Kat Dizon (’25). Dizon launched the club in response to the crisis of teen suicide, the second leading cause of death in ages 10-34, the prevalence of anxiety and depression in 12- to 17-year-olds, and her own struggles with mental health.
One of NAMI’s primary roles is its partnership with the BOHS counseling department and Brianna Coque, social worker. During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, for instance, NAMI and school counselors installed a three-dimensional tree made out of construction paper near the cafeteria ramp. Students were encouraged to write positive messages to themselves on sticky note “leaves,” symbolizing growth in a positive mindset through self-affirmation.
Other NAMI events promoting mental health awareness have included rock painting, yoga, educational presentations, the USC #SpeakyourMIND challenge, and participation in November’s Orange County NAMI Walk at Angels Stadium.
In addition to reflection, education, and partnering with BOHS’s mental health experts, NAMI also aims to destigmatize mental illness. It’s the stigma of mental illness that often prohibits teens from seeking out mental health services. To fight the stigma, NAMI is reclaiming the color green, once used to stigmatize the mentally ill. Whether with matcha cookies or green ribbons, the club aims to transform the color from a symbol of shame, to one of growth and change.
The club’s efforts were recognized with a “Certificate of Recognition,” presented by Cecilia Story, assistant principal, May 22. Story called the club “pivotal” in engaging the student body.
“[NAMI] saw a need and they wanted to get involved,” Story said. “It was really their dedication and advocacy on mental health and bringing awareness, making for a really great partnership for the counseling department.”
At NAMI’s first meeting of 2025-2026, held in the PAWS WellSpace (the club participated in the room’s opening in 2024), club members reflected on Suicide Prevention Month, which runs throughout September. The NAMI board presented a slideshow explaining the month’s purpose of “reflection upon the lives lost in the battle with mental health.”
Going forward, the club hopes to use its meetings to “increase participation from students” and host even more “educational and fun activities,” according to NAMI Vice President Madison Siemsen (‘26).
Angela Sohn (’26), NAMI president, intends to “expand NAMI’s reach on campus” and to continue to support students’ journeys toward “self-improvement, mindfulness, and peace of mind.”
NAMI’s next meeting, Oct. 9, will honor Mental Illness Awareness Week, which runs from Oct. 5 to Oct. 11. The club is planning an interactive event involving Polaroid photos and neon lettering that answers the prompt, “I matter because…” on a black poster board.
“At the end of the day, we just hope that our meetings are a safe space where everyone can share their experiences and struggles without judgment,” NAMI treasurer Luke Oh (‘26) said.
Students interested in joining NAMI can follow the club on Instagram — @namibohs — and stop by the WellSpace to participate in “I Matter” activities on Oct. 9.
