Easton High Starts Morgans Message Chapter
by Georgia Murdoch Morgan’s Message is a mental health program that raises awareness and “is committed to elevating the diversity of perspectives found within athletics”. It was founded after the death of Morgan Rogers, a Duke lacrosse player who tragically took her own life. “Morgan was raised in Fauquier County and later played lacrosse at Duke” “In January of 2017, just before her sophomore season, Morgan endured a dream-shattering knee injury. Her feelings of isolation from the team and stress cause by other relationship issues accelerated the return of anxiety and depression. As a result, Morgan died by suicide July 11, 2019 at the age of 22” (morgansmessage.org). Just this year, Easton High School Juniors, Emily Currie and Taylor Roach, decided to start a Morgan’s Message chapter for anyone who wanted to be a part of the group. When asked, Taylor Roach explained that their main goal with the Easton chapter was to “make a safe space for students and end the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in school athletics.” At the meetings, held on the second and third Thursdays of each month, they contribute something to the school’s hallway chalkboard. Upon research, the girls learned that coloring can reduce stress. With this information, during the first week of their meetings participants colored butterflies, the logo of Morgan’s Message. The following week, each member wrote affirmations on sticky notes for passing students to read, hopefully brightening their day. When asked, Emily Currie explained that their chapter’s biggest accomplishment so far was the Morgan’s Message dedication game against Queen Annes High School. As a captain on the Varsity Easton women’s lacrosse team, she felt that it was her job as an ambassador to spread awareness about Morgan Rodger’s story. At the beginning of the game, she gave a speech and each player wore a Morgan’s Message shirt with the blue butterfly emblem to warm up prior to the game (see picture). “Both teams came together and we were both playing for something that was more than just the game. We raised money for Morgan’s Message by selling tee shirts.” Both Emily and Taylor will continue leading this chapter next year as seniors and “plan on passing it down to a future leader within the school after we graduate.” They hope that whoever takes over will continue to spread awareness throughout Easton High School.
