Forest Area Community Schools recently welcomed Kalkaska native Shandy Longcore, founder of Embracing Imperfections, to address students and parents on teen mental health. In separate presentations, Shandy spoke to parents, middle schoolers, and high schoolers about the sensitive topic of suicide. Shandy candidly shared her personal story of deep emotional struggles, culminating in a suicide attempt at the age of 10. Her narrative, both gripping and hopeful, poignantly illustrated the swift transition from suicidal thoughts to a will to live. In her presentation, "Empowering Today's Teen: Through the Lens of Mental Health," Shandy emphasized key aspects of teen well-being, such as, building meaningful connections with others, understanding and managing changing emotions and situations, and recognizing the insignificance of perfection. She encouraged students to embrace both their strengths and their imperfections. With her positive and engaging personality, Shandy shared valuable resources with parents and uplifted students. The Live Well Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition played a vital role in bringing this presentation to Forest Area Schools by helping to coordinate, promoting the event, and funding the parent dinner through community donations. The Coalition extends its gratitude to the Upper Bar in Fife Lake for providing a delicious dinner of homemade chicken noodle soup and sandwiches for the parent event. This event was made possible by the generous support of the Kalkaska Kiwanis and the Academa Clubs.
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