September 13, 2025

Students at Xavier College Prep Raise Funds for Mental Health

News Summary

Xavier College Prep hosted its 6th annual ‘Swim for the Light’ fundraiser, raising money for mental health support in athletics. With 35 swimmers participating, the event aims to collect $12,000 for Valleywise Health’s programs focusing on young individuals facing early psychosis. The initiative not only promotes mental health awareness but also breaks the stigma around discussing these important issues within the athletic community.

Phoenix, Arizona – Students at Xavier College Prep gathered on Friday for the 6th annual “Swim for the Light” fundraiser, an event dedicated to raising money for mental health support among athletes. This initiative underscores the importance of addressing mental health challenges within the sporting community and works to break the stigma surrounding these discussions.

The primary objective of “Swim for the Light” is to secure crucial funding for the mental health programs provided by Valleywise Health, particularly benefiting the First Episode Center. This facility caters to young people who are experiencing early psychosis, offering them necessary resources and assistance. Participants at the event included 35 swimmers from Xavier’s swim team, determined to make a difference both in their community and in their peers’ lives.

Each swimmer set up fundraising links to encourage donations, as they prepared to swim a 100-yard relay as part of the event. This interactive approach aims to engage both the swimmers and the community at large in raising awareness about mental health issues and creating safe spaces for conversation. The goal for this year’s fundraising effort is $12,000, following a successful previous year that saw $11,600 raised. This increase in ambition reflects both the growing recognition of mental health needs and the community’s commitment to supporting affected individuals.

Leaders within the Xavier swim team have emphasized the necessity of discussing mental health openly. By participating in this event, team members hope to convey that it is acceptable to seek help and that support is available. Dr. Wendy Watson, a psychiatrist at Valleywise Health, articulated that all proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly to the Valleywise Foundation. These funds are essential for addressing everyday needs of patients, such as clothing and journals for teens, vital for their mental well-being.

The initiative has expanded its reach by inviting various community teams, clubs, and organizations to host their individual fundraisers, thereby enhancing the network of support and awareness surrounding mental health issues. This grassroots involvement not only boosts fundraising efforts but also fosters a broader conversation about mental health in diverse environments.

The “Swim for the Light” event serves as a beacon of hope and connection for those navigating mental health challenges. By tying the act of swimming to mental health awareness, the event creatively merges physical activity with emotional support, aiming to inspire others to participate actively in this essential conversation.

Mental health has become a key topic of concern not only in athletic environments but across all sectors of society. Events like these play an important role in reducing stigma and create accessible pathways for individuals seeking help. Through the support of participants and donors, “Swim for the Light” continues to promote understanding and awareness surrounding mental health challenges, particularly among young athletes.

The ongoing commitment to mental health awareness at Xavier College Prep highlights the importance of community involvement and dialogue in cultivating a healthier environment for all. As the event continues to grow and expand its impact, the goal remains clear: to ensure that every athlete knows they are not alone in their struggles and that assistance is always within reach.

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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.

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Young swimmers competing in a relay at Xavier College Prep's Swim for the Light event promoting mental health awareness.

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