On Friday, June 13th, Ingalls Field transformed into a vibrant youth gathering for Pelham Overnight: Mental Health Never Sleeps—an awareness event designed to remind students that no one should ever have to struggle alone.
Organized by Pelham Together’s Youth Council and in collaboration with the high school and middle school, the event drew double the attendance from last year and introduced several new features, including live music curated by community members Anna Jenner and Stephen Byfield, a Youth Council leadership hand-off, and a welcoming invitation to middle school students, coordinated by Ms. Jenn Kitay. For the first time, and carrying over from our last Town Hall, students were encouraged to invite “trusted adults”—those in their lives they feel safe turning to for support. A handful of these trusted adults joined the event, including members of both our fire and police departments, reinforcing the message that mental health is a community priority.
The evening kicked off with a youth-led welcome from current Youth Council members, thanking attendees and reminding everyone that Pelham Overnight is about showing up—for yourself and for each other. During this opening moment, the Council also surprised the crowd by announcing the incoming 2025-2026 Youth Council leadership—marking the first official handoff at the event and celebrating continued youth leadership in mental health advocacy, community building, and civic engagement.
Throughout the evening, students and community members visited a variety of stations throughout the field that offered opportunities to create, reflect, and connect: friendship bracelet-making (with messages of affirmation to exchange), lantern decorating (to line the track with light and hope), journaling and coloring (to relax and reflect), mental health resources (with pamphlets for local and national resources), calming rock painting (led by the middle schoolers), and the interactive Wellness Wheel hosted by a therapy practice run by two PMHS alumnae. Live music added an uplifting ambience, and attendees left with thoughtfully curated goodie bags—including a custom zine filled with free, confidential, 24/7 mental health resources.
As Youth Council member Abby Parker shared during the kick-off, “Mental health awareness is so important, and it’s important to know that you are never alone.” Fellow council member Joni Pulaj echoed this impact, noting that “the Overnight showcased not only what the youth of Pelham are capable of but also what we stand for: supporting our peers and promoting youth mental health.” Pelham Together thanks every student, educator, family, and volunteer who made this powerful night possible.
About Pelham Together
Pelham Together is a not-for-profit organization located in Pelham, NY. Our mission is to support the physical, social, and mental wellbeing of all youth by building their resilience and sense of belonging in the community. www.pelhamtogether.org
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Pelham Together. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.
