Stop The Stress

A student club I started at PVHS.

I founded Stop The Stress to make mental-health support feel more approachable. Our workshops bring students together through art and hands-on activities, with no pressure to share more than they want to.

I’ve organized activities at Palos Verdes High School and brought workshops to Miraleste Intermediate and Palos Verdes Intermediate. Here are a few moments from that work.

Our workshops

Drawing, painting, LEGO, bracelets, and other creative activities give students a simple way to join in. Sometimes an invitation to take a seat is the first step.

Explore my research on belonging ↗

Stop the Stress Club Brings Kindness to Campus!

The district newspaper highlighted our Choose Kindness Festival, from Monday’s Kindness Jar to Thursday’s friendship bracelets, kindness chains, and Kindness Grams.

STS developed the vision and coordinated the event, working with PVHS SAGE therapists. Eason and Lucas supported planning, logistics, and stations; Nikolai and Noah helped with setup, materials, and student participation.

Read the article text

The Choose Kindness Festival was a campuswide celebration designed to spark connection, positivity, and kindness among students. Throughout the week, interactive stations encouraged students to uplift one another in meaningful and creative ways. On Monday, students participated in a “Fill the Jar With Kindness” activity, adding Post-its with encouraging messages. On Thursday, the main festival day brought high-energy lunchtime activities, including Friendship Bracelet making, Kindness Chain-Linking, Kindness Grams, and a second Kindness Jar.

Club President, Alice Kim, explained that the festival came together through the dedication and teamwork of the Stop the Stress (STS) Club:

“STS developed the vision, long-term planning, and coordination for the event. Our Co-Vice Presidents, Eason and Lucas, supported the planning and logistics and helped run Thursday’s stations. Club members Nikolai and Noah also assisted with set-up, materials, and engaging students throughout the festival.”

Planning for the festival began over the summer, with the STS board meeting regularly with the PVHS SAGE therapists. With this collaboration, the festival grew into a full school-supported event that made a meaningful impact across campus.

The STS Club welcomes new members at any time. Students interested in joining can sign up on Remind using the code pvhssts or stop by the ASB room for more information.

A few moments

Select a photo for a closer look.

Stop The Stress display at an outdoor school event.

A kindness jar poster filled with colorful notes.

Students sharing their artwork during a workshop.

Students gathered around a table of creative activities.

Colorful craft materials set out for a hands-on activity.

Choose Kindness Festival

I wrote my own Post-it first: “Thank you for making me smile on hard days.” Students added their own messages on pink, yellow, green, and blue notes, turning a hallway into a place to pause and connect.

The festival was featured in the district newspaper.