In early December, Springfield High School hosted nationally recognized speaker Ashati Branch. Mr. Branch is the founder and executive director of the Ever Forward Club, which provides mentorship and assists in creating safe, brave communities that build character and transform lives.
He also is respected for efforts to ensure that no child should have to face life’s challenges alone; stating, “We can all play a part in ensuring #YouthMentalHealth challenges don’t thwart every child’s opportunity to thrive.”
Mr. Branch visited the school thanks to the efforts of assistant superintendent Dana Falkenberg and Bowling Green State University’s project impact consortium.
While at SHS, he met with members of the freshman class and introduced students to his researchbased program, “Masks We All Wear.”
He detailed his work in a TEDx presentation that can be found on YouTube.
The feedback from students who participated was encouraging. Many arrived at the sessions thinking they would learn more about classmates, instead they discovered a lot more about themselves, said Ms. Falkenberg.
Students play a critical role in efforts to build meaningful connections, practice healthier communication and engage more deeply with others, she noted.
As a former math teacher, assistant principal and an Education Fellow at the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University, Mr. Branch holds a master’s degree in education.
He is on a mission to change the way students interact with their education and the way schools interact with students.
“Students need and deserve our support in their efforts to address challenges presented in today’s world,” he said.
