Skaneateles High School’s ‘Morgan’s Message’ club has won the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Community Service Challenge for Winter 2025. The Lakers were selected from 204 project submissions by the NYSPHSAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), marking the school’s first win in the 14-year history of the program.
The initiative stood out for its heartfelt and impactful approach to addressing the mental health crisis among student-athletes. One of the club’s signature events this winter was a ‘Morgan’s Message’ night hosted by the boys basketball team. Collaborating with the student-led club, players helped raise awareness, provide mental health resources, and foster an open dialogue in the athletic community.
“I witnessed firsthand how our dedication game reached far beyond the players on the court,” said club advisor Kristin Moses. “The messages we received from coaches and officials following the event were deeply moving, and a powerful reminder that mental health touches all of us—athletes, coaches, referees, and families alike.”
The club created resource tables at games and distributed t-shirts, stickers, and ribbons featuring mental health messaging and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. These efforts aimed to normalize mental health conversations and ensure students in need know where to turn.
“This game created space for conversation, reflection, and connection,” Moses added. “It reminded us all that while we come together for sport, it’s our humanity that binds us and life will always matter more than the final score.”
Anthony Volpe delivers grand slam, career-high five RBI in return as Yankees sweep Rockies NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas praised the students’ leadership and compassion. “By actively engaging with and supporting their school’s Morgan’s Message club during their game, these student-athletes sent a powerful message—that no one is ever truly alone, and that support is always available for those who need it.”
This winter’s Community Service Challenge saw over 13,700 student-athletes across the state contribute more than 76,300 hours of volunteer work, raising $183,356 for charitable causes.
Applications for the Spring 2025 Community Service Challenge are now open on the Team Up 4 Community platform. Submissions are due by Monday, June 9.
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