During December 12-14, Lake Forest Academy’s Health and Wellness Prefects are hosting a themed weekend for the first time. The activities will offer students an opportunity to practice self-care amid the stress of final exams.
Events are spread throughout the weekend, beginning Friday night and lasting until Sunday afternoon. The three days of mental health prioritization will begin with a movie night: Inside Out 2. The movie reveals the inner emotional world of Riley, the protagonist, as she balances new emerging emotions as a teenager – anxiety, envy, nostalgia, embarrassment and boredom. As explained by Health and Wellness Prefect Matthew Jun ‘26, “As teenagers, we often ignore or escape from our feelings due to a surge of emotions and overwhelming pressure. I believe that Inside Out 2 could be a fun and impactful experience where students could remind themselves that it’s okay to feel anxious.”
On Saturday, puppy yoga will be offered, followed by a 3v3 basketball tournament and cookie decorating to end the night. The basketball tournament will be hosted in collaboration with the Arts and Athletics Prefects, encouraging exercise as a way to have fun, connect with others and de-stress.
To conclude the health and wellness themed weekend, students will be given the opportunity and supplies to paint on Sunday, emphasizing creativity and relaxation. Later that afternoon, board games will be provided, creating a welcoming space for students to reset and prepare for the busy week ahead.
The Health and Wellness Prefects intentionally selected the weekend of December 12-14 because it takes place between two weeks of final exams. The themed weekend allows students to unwind and celebrate the completion of the first day of exams, while preparing for those ahead. Jun shared that his goal for the weekend is to allow “a moment of relaxation and joy by participating in activities.”
Health and wellness prefects planned the weekend with support from the faculty in the Health Services department: Director of Health Services Jennifer Madeley and School Therapist Leslie Gomez. They began working on the event as early as October, eager to prepare a successful and meaningful opportunity for the student body to recharge.
Health and Wellness Prefects hope that incoming leaders will continue to host themed weekends, beginning a tradition of student engagement and well-being. The Arts and Athletics prefects also plan to organize their own themed weekend during the second semester, giving students additional opportunities to unwind and bond. By placing mental health at the center of student life, the Health and Wellness Prefects are working to remind students that their mental well-being matters as much as their academic success.