Overview
- This year's observance reached schools across the state, with reporting citing about 151 campuses and roughly 64,000 students participating, and additional school events scheduled in the coming week.
- WellCare of Kentucky supports the initiative and says it works with 141 schools statewide to organize activities throughout February.
- Student leaders, including the Sources of Strength club at West Jessamine High School, approached peers sitting alone at lunch to start conversations and build connections.
- Organizers say the day teaches inclusion skills and aims to improve students' mental and physical health by reducing social isolation.
- Educators point to lingering COVID-era disruptions to early school experiences as a driver for the effort, and West Jessamine tied the outreach to a school kindness week intended to spark lasting friendships.