“Our emotions are not conclusions:” inspiring words spoken by Jordan Lally, class of 1998.

Lally is the singer-songwriter in a band called “The Big Infinite.” Life took a turn for him when his father’s long battle with depression resulted in suicide.

After stepping back from touring and writing music to focus on mental health, Lally along with his band-mates Andre Toney and DJ Fritzges, changed their band’s message. The music they released became full of raw and honest emotion, allowing for their authentic selves to show.

In addition to this change, the band decided to focus its attention on serving schools, military bases, and community events through music and storytelling.

Power of Expression shines a light on mental health, including anxiety, depressions, and self-harm.

It was noted by Assistant Principal Jake Hollin that “we wanted to give an increased emphasis on students’ mental health.”

After looking at recent studies and seeing a spike in mental health cases, it was essential to bring someone with training in who could also connect well with students.

This specific mental health assembly was the first one at JC; however, the administration has decided to continue these types of programs.

Mr. Hollin said, “We hope that at least once a semester we will have a program that would address student needs. It may not necessarily even be mental health. Bringing in somebody from the community where they would have an impact and be able to help our students, our parents, and staff.”

The hope is to improve John Carroll students’ overall health.

“I would like to do something on social media, a program where we talk about the good and the bad and how we are utilizing it,” said Mr. Hollin.

There was an option for students to opt out of the assembly, as certain life circumstances are a sensitive topic to some. The band has a policy to allow an opt out, and some students chose that.

Mr. Hollin said, “It went well. I think it is an attempt to respect where everybody is at, but we also had lots of really great feedback on the way he presented and everything that he shared.”

The parent feedback was phenomenal, many being thankful and appreciative for this assembly.

“Student wise, a lot of both formal and informal feedback from people shared that it was really good to hear and not feel alone.  It is good for students to hear that they are not alone,” said Mr. Hollin.

Junior James McComas said, “I thought it highlighted a corner of mental health not often noticed.”