On Sat., April 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., student leaders from Make Our Schools Safe (MOSS) and Love Out Loud held a breakout session at the Youth Mental Health Summit, hosted by the Unbreakable Foundation and South Broward High School.
The session was dedicated to emotional resilience as students engaged in workshops focused on reframing negative self-talk, identifying healthy coping strategies and navigating complex emotions in high-pressure situations.
Love Out Loud, advised by math teacher Cari Buddman, was founded by juniors Taryn Bander and Sophie Szkaradek, inspired by the national non-profit “Inspire My Generation.” At the summit, they delivered a presentation focused on practical mental health strategies, including techniques like reframing negative thoughts and using drawing as a calming outlet.
“My friend Taryn and I started the club because we saw how many students at our school struggle but don’t always feel comfortable talking about it,” Szkaradek said. “We wanted to create a space where people felt supported, heard and not judged for how they felt.”
Love Out Loud had an interactive game during the session, a spin on four corners, where they read different scenarios with each corner being a different emotion and talking about why they felt that way. They also did a note card activity to help participants learn how to reframe negative thoughts into healthy ones.
MOSS was founded as a national non-profit organization dedicated to protecting students and teachers at school. The organization was founded by Lori Alhadeff, mother of Alyssa Alhadeff who was one of the victims from Feb. 14, 2018.
Lori Alhadeff and MOSS created a coloring book in memory of Alyssa that was featured at the summit. Lori was also in attendance to support the event.
“This project serves as a living tribute to her memory, every page reflects the kindness and energy Alyssa shared with those around her,” junior and MOSS vice president Allison Ofstein said. “Through these illustrations we honor a beautiful life by nurturing and the well-being of others — ensuring that Alyssa’s legacy remains one of hope, comfort, and enduring love.”
The clubs collaborated to give out MOSS-themed school folders that say “Your voice is your power” on the inside, filled with stickers and pins from Inspire My Generation and bracelets that said “Alyssa’s Law” or “Alyssa’s Act.”
In the next few years, both clubs plan to increase member growth and collaborate more with each of their respective non-profit organizations. MOSS plans on hosting a skate for safety event, making stress balls and having security come to their meetings; they also plan to have engaging rewards for club members like “member of the month.”
