A grade 12 student at Garden Valley Collegiate in Winkler has been recognized for making significant contributions to promoting mental health in her school.

Named after Mark Dickof, who had a promising future ahead of him with hopes of attending Oxford University one day before he regrettably developed schizophrenia and ultimately took his own life at the age of 30, the 2020 Mark Dickof Scholarship has been awarded to Jessica Giesbrecht by the Manitoba School Boards Association. 

Photos courtesy of Jessica Giesbrecht's Facebook page

"I was ecstatic that my work was being recognized," said Giesbrecht who started a sexuality and gender alliance club at the Winkler high school. "I think it's very important work to be done, especially by young people in schools and especially for other youth in the community because there is a lot of youth mental health struggles."

Created to be a safe space, the group allows students to hang out without judgment. While a similar club had previously been established at the school, it didn't last long and Giesbrecht felt the need remained.

"Especially because some of my friends and peers, they just needed this...because not all of them are able to just be authentically themselves, even at home. Even an hour once a week to be able to less loose and have fun with other people who understand you," she said.

"There are higher rates of depression and suicide and anxiety among youth, especially LGBTQ youth, and it's important to end the stigma that surrounds that and to help people become better," added Giesbrecht.

Based on feedback she's received, Giesbrecht feels that while the club was initially met with some confusion about why it was needed, she says her peers were ultimately relieved to see someone take initiative in breaking down the stigma that keeps young people from talking about mental health.