New York State honored the Solvay Union Free School District with the 2024 ‘What’s Great in our State’ School/School District Award, which recognizes education systems that have increasingly recognized the importance of supporting wellness and addressing the mental health needs of students. Solvay was presented the award Tuesday during the event in Albany and recognized for its ongoing commitment to the mental well-being of students and faculty alike.

“The Solvay Union Free School District shows us ‘What’s Great in Our State’ through its holistic efforts to transform its system and bolster mental health services,” said state Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “This district serves as a shining example of how compassion, collaboration, and innovation make a profound difference within an educational system. We thank the district for its commitment to children’s mental health.”

Located in Onondaga County, the Solvay Union Free School District has been on a transformational journey to prioritize the mental and emotional well-being of its students and families. Following the COVID-19 Pandemic, Solvay made a commitment to provide robust support systems tailored to address the diverse needs of its community.

Through strategic investments and partnerships, Solvay established a mental health liaison position to bridge the gap between school and home, ensuring families have access to vital resources and support. The district's focus on trauma-informed care and responsive practices permeates every aspect of its operations, guiding initiatives to support students and families facing immense challenges, including an influx of Ukrainian refugees.

Solvay's innovative approach extends beyond the classroom, with initiatives such as the annual Bearcat Bash and Family Engagement Nights, fostering community connections and providing invaluable resources to families. The district’s dedication to building resilience extends to its teachers, with initiatives like Wellness Day and specialized training equipping staff with the tools to support student well-being effectively.

From evidence-based mental health first aid training to the implementation of Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports, Solvay's comprehensive approach is transforming lives, nurturing resilience, and creating a brighter future for students.

“We dedicate this award to the tireless work of our staff who influence and improve the mental health of students and families throughout our district,” Assistant Superintendent for Education Services Jessica Whisher-Hehl said. “We are also thankful for our collaborative partnerships with Onondaga County and Peaceful Schools that help provide more embedded support within our schools to increase access for students and families. Over the last few years, we have invested heavily in quality Social-Emotional Learning programs, tools, initiatives, and positions to support a continuum of care for the children, young adults, staff, community, and families of Solvay. We are focused on creating sustainable systems to increase the likelihood that we provide all members of our community the support they need to be their best selves. While we're grateful for the recognition of our accomplishments, we humbly acknowledge that there's still more work to be done. This honor fuels our determination to continue striving for excellence and making a meaningful impact.”

Established in 2010, ‘What’s Great in Our State’ recognizes individuals and programs that are successfully advancing the cause of children’s mental health in New York State and is celebrated annually during Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. The day-long conference in Albany features a ceremony recognizing honorees, in-person and virtual workshops, and an art show featuring artwork created by children receiving services from New York State’s mental health system.

The event is sponsored by the state Office of Mental Health, Department of Health, Department of Education, Office of Children and Family Services and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. In addition, several children’s mental health advocacy organizations sponsor the event, including the Council on Children and Families, the Early Care & Learning Council, Families Together in New York State, Inc., Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc., National Alliance on Mental Illness - New York State, New York State Network for Youth Success, Prevent Child Abuse New York, and the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc.