JVS students take part in third annual Color Run

Dozens of students took to the outdoors and got doused in a rainbow of chalk dust for the third annual Color Run at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School April 30.

The event, hosted by the Sources of Strength student organization, aimed to build community against a backdrop of messy fun. Participants dodged chilly weather to spin around during the dizzy bat event and entered an obstacle course that included weaving through cones, hula hoop hopscotch, limbo and crossing a balance beam as 30 Sources of Strength members sprayed chalk dust in pastel pink, blue, green and yellow.

Adviser Megan Jarvis, mental health counselor at the school, also got in on the action while members got even by covering her in powder. The group gathered for a final photograph at the conclusion and enjoyed candy with Slushies provided by the Transition to Work program.

Jarvis said the festivities brought people together as prom week drew to a close, but the aim was to build positivity and friendships at the school.

“It is to bring students together for camaraderie and strengthen their bonds,” she said. “Sources of Strength means to spread hope, help, and strength into every corner of our community. Students are encouraged to speak out, talk with each other, and be in a community to increase protective factors, especially for mental health.”

Sources of Strength is a strength-based suicide prevention and mental health promotion program that provides training for youth and adults in secondary schools and community-based settings. Its secondary program uses peer leaders to enhance protective factors associated with mental health.

It began at the JVS in 2022, and advisers and peer leaders have since worked to empower fellow students. The initiative builds positive influences to reduce the likelihood of suicide and also addresses bullying, violence and substance abuse. This year’s officers are Tucker Winski, president; Alex Fundersol, vice president; Rylie Viers, secretary; and Avery Patterson, treasurer.

Members also have led fundraisers throughout the year, including a toy spider race in October, a “Thankful Tree” featuring positive messages in November, valentine messages in February, a Rock, Paper, Scissors game in March and Easter basket raffles and an egg hunt in April. They also have taken part in community service projects, such as gathering toiletries for the ALIVE Shelter during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.