On Wednesday, March 3, Dana Hall Upper School students attended Ship Day. An annual event, Ship Day was originally organized as a full day of games and physical activities in the Shipley Center, to provide students with a chance to unwind and refocus after the end of the second trimester. This year, however, Ship Day had a different focus and was dedicated to addressing mental health issues.

This year’s Ship Day was organized by Dana Hall’s 55 Peer Educators with help from faculty and staff. The idea to change the focus of Ship Day was brought up last year by the Peer Educators and members of Dana Hall’s SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) group. During the week leading up to Ship Day, Peer Educators explained to their classmates how Ship Day would run by making announcements in Morning Meeting and lining the hallways of The Shipley Center with posters encouraging students to be excited about the day.

Speaker Jordan Burnham opened the day by sharing his story about his secret battle with depression that culminated in his failed suicide attempt in 2008. Since his miraculous survival, Burnham speaks to students to educate them about depression, suicide and the changes people can make to help cope with their feelings. Burnham’s talk was followed by a panel of Dana students and parents who have dealt with depression. The group shared their personal stories with an emphasis on support, resources and how to help friends who are depressed. In the afternoon the students were entertained by actor/comedian John Morello as he performed his one-man show entitled “Dirt” a play of many characters with whom students can identify.

“The goal of Ship Day was to raise awareness about depression and break stereotypes about the types of people who may battle depression,” said Director of Athletics, Health and Wellness John Suby. “Ship Day was a great success and we have had an overwhelmingly positive response from students and parents. In the future, Ship Day will continue to educate about more serious health issues.”