Author: kirstenthom

CDC Mental Health Report 2023

What you can do in the rising mental health crisis

By Kirsten Thomas  According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, nearly half of the estimated 60 million people living with mental illness in the US do not seek treatment. Unfortunately, in areas of medicine, mental health is treated second tier to physical health, resulting in poor care and stigmatization for many. Because of the stigmas surrounding mental health, people can shy away from talking … Continue reading What you can do in the rising mental health crisis

kirstenthomLeave a comment
Lifestyle

How to be calm 

By: Kirsten Thomas Find ways to slow down your mind. The human brain is extremely complex, and research has been done on what’s understood (and not) about its inner workings. There are four categories of brain waves — alpha, beta, theta, delta — that represent different states of consciousness.  Basically, stable brain waves represent an overarching solution to calmness and inner peace according to “What … Continue reading How to be calm 

kirstenthomLeave a comment
Lifestyle

Here’s a morning routine for lazy people

By: Kirsten Thomas Nobody likes to wake up early, especially me. Here’s my expert experience about how to set the tone for your entire day with a simple morning routine (that doesn’t require you to get up and work at 5 am). Use a soothing alarm. Your day starts with your morning, and your morning starts with how you wake up. If you use an … Continue reading Here’s a morning routine for lazy people

kirstenthomLeave a comment
School Community

Supportive Peers continues to bring people together at holiday event

By: Kirsten Thomas On Saturday, December 10, Bellbrook Supportive Peers hosted its second annual Christmas Spectacular event at the high school. The event drew in dozens of families and smiles.  Volunteers began setting up at 8:30am for the event, which ran from 10am-12pm. Just like last year, Santa and his elves made an appearance in addition to the variety of craft stations and games available for … Continue reading Supportive Peers continues to bring people together at holiday event

kirstenthomLeave a comment
School Community

The Eagle Pride and Diversity Club seeks to include everyone

By: Kirsten Thomas In the past, the GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) club has served as a supportive environment for members and allies LGBTQ+ community. This year it has been rebranded into the Eagle Pride and Diversity Club. The club is still passionate about building relationships and supporting LGBTQ+ students, but now seeks to include other diverse groups through its meetings and activities. The club’s mission is … Continue reading The Eagle Pride and Diversity Club seeks to include everyone

kirstenthomLeave a comment
School Community

Concerns alleviated over water quality at high school

By: Kirsten Thomas Students at Bellbrook High School have been concerned about the water quality in fountains at the school. For weeks, the filters have been on “red status.” Having questionable access to purified water has been a concern for students and staff members alike in recent weeks.  Students who drink the water report that it “has an iron-y taste,” and one student said, “It … Continue reading Concerns alleviated over water quality at high school

kirstenthomLeave a comment
Arts and Entertainment

Festival season continues with Spring Valley Potato Fest

By: Kirsten Thomas October 1-2 was the Potato Festival in Spring Valley. Hundreds of people visited over the course of two days. The festival took place in Blendose Park, about a 10 minute drive south of the high school, off route 725. Cars parked in an empty field adjacent to the park, and there was a $5 parking fee.   A combination of music from booths was … Continue reading Festival season continues with Spring Valley Potato Fest

kirstenthomLeave a comment
Arts and Entertainment

Dayton Kicks off Festival Season with the 62nd Annual Greek Fest 

By: Kirsten Thomas Last weekend marked the start of festival season in Dayton. As usual, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church fulfilled its goal of  bringing people together, young and old, to enjoy an authentic Greek experience. Live music from the festival could be heard from streets surrounding the church. Admission was free, and the smell of gyro meat was the first thing to greet visitors … Continue reading Dayton Kicks off Festival Season with the 62nd Annual Greek Fest 

kirstenthomLeave a comment
School Community, Sports

Bellbrook Hosts SWBL Track Meet

By: Kirsten Thomas Wednesday and Saturday, May 11 and 14, Bellbrook hosted the SWBL meet. The league was split into two divisions this year. Bellbrook girls finished third in their division and the boys got second.  The East divisions include Bellbrook, Oakwood, Franklin, Monroe, and Waynesville. The West division is made up of Brookville, Carlisle, Eaton, Madison, and Valley View.  The meet on Saturday started … Continue reading Bellbrook Hosts SWBL Track Meet

kirstenthomLeave a comment
School Community

HOSA members win state forensic science competition

By: Kirsten Thomas Sophomore Maya Brink and Junior Samantha Goodwin won the state forensic science competition on March 25. They qualified for nationals this summer.  HOSA is a new club this year for students interested in biomedical science. It is a student organization for future medical professionals. Current student leaders are Nitika Arora, Samantha Goodwin, Natalie Rodenroth, Gracie Schindler, and Hannah Becker. Club members participate … Continue reading HOSA members win state forensic science competition

kirstenthomLeave a comment