The Niles City School District is proud to share that Niles Middle School has received national recognition for its efforts to promote mental health awareness and create a supportive school environment for students and staff.
Erika’s Lighthouse, a national organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges among young people through education, student empowerment, and school-based programming, recognized Niles Middle School with three honorable mention awards for its work during the 2025-26 school year.
Awards were received in the following categories:
- Empowering Youth - recognizing efforts to give students a voice and opportunities to become mental health advocates and leaders.
- Educating Students - recognizing efforts to provide students with mental health education and increase awareness of available supports.
- Equipping Staff - recognizing efforts to provide educators and staff with knowledge and resources to better support student mental health and well-being.
“Receiving honorable mention in all three categories is a wonderful reflection of the commitment of our students and staff and the support of our district,” says Niles Middle School Assistant Principal, Dr. Leah Marsh. “While we are still in the early stages of developing the program, our students and staff have embraced the opportunity to create greater awareness, reduce stigma, and build a school culture where conversations about mental health are encouraged and supported.”
District social worker Amanda Mancino led the initiative to implement the Erika’s Lighthouse programming into both Niles Middle School and Niles McKinley High School. Through the program she has worked to empower students by providing opportunities for them to develop their voices as mental health advocates and leaders while reducing stigma.
Mancino has also implemented Erika’s Lighthouse mental health education by using developmentally appropriate lessons, presentations, and student resources.
“At the middle school, students receive education focused on understanding mental health, recognizing signs that they or a friend may be struggling, reducing stigma, identifying trusted adults, and learning how to access support,” Mancino shares. “Lessons are paired with opportunities for students to practice communication, empathy, coping strategies, and help-seeking skills.”
In addition to student programming, Mancino has supported staff through professional education and resource sharing, collaboration between teachers and student support personnel, consultation with school social workers and counselors, and the development of clear referral pathways for students experiencing social-emotional or mental health concerns.
The collaborative efforts during the 2025-26 school year also led to the registration of an official Erika’s Lighthouse empowerment group, Red Dragon Wellness Warriors. The group is now in its first full year of implementation at Niles Middle School during the 2026-27 school year.
The Niles City School District is proud of the work that has begun and looks forward to continuing to expand opportunities that empower students, educate the school community, and strengthen the supports available to students and staff.