A wave of freezing water and powerful messages has swept through Burroughs High School this week as students and staff take on the USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge. What began as a college-led initiative has quickly taken over the campus, uniting the community in support of mental health awareness.
The Ice Bucket Challenge phenomenon first made the rounds in 2014 to raise awareness for ALS. While the focus of the challenge has shifted, it works the same way. The challenge invites students and staff to pour a bucket of ice water over their heads while sharing a mental health message, and then to nominate others to do the same. Its goal? To break the stigma around mental health and encourage open conversations among youth.
A main part of their goal is also to encourage participants to donate to Active Minds, which empowers young adults to advocate for mental health awareness.
“I think this challenge has really taken over social media right now, and in the best way,” said senior Hank Lint. “I think it’s a fun way to get people’s attention while also spreading a good message.”
Video after video reveals that nearly every corner of Burroughs has joined the movement. Videos are flooding social media, homes have become unofficial splash zones, and conversations about mental well-being are being brought to light.
As the ice keeps falling, so do the barriers to speaking up. Burroughs High isn’t just getting cold — it’s getting bold about mental health.
