Class Reunion Turns into Launch of Youth Mental Health Fund
With men’s health in the spotlight each November around the world, one St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) graduation class turned a recent reunion into a meaningful gathering, launching a brand-new fund to support young men’s mental health. Class of 1990 members at their June 2025 reunion. “On a beautiful sunny Friday in September, more than 40 men from the Class of 1990 were reunited for a fantastic evening in the Alumni Room at the school,” says Ben Eaves ’90. “We shared memories from our school days as some caught up after years or even decades. The laughter rang loud; it felt like only yesterday that we walked the yellow brick halls. But there was a greater purpose. We realized that several of our classmates have had tragic outcomes in their battles with mental health, so we raised money to fund and organize a speaker session for current St. Michael’s students focused on male youth mental health. Our goal is to help students recognize that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.” Eaves adds, “By sharing our experiences and creating a fund, the Class of 1990 is ensuring that a new generation benefits from the lessons we’ve learned. Our initiative is a testament to the enduring bonds of the St. Michael’s community that continues to care for one another.” SMCS students across all grades had the opportunity to attend and participate in the special panel on November 17, 2025, during ‘Movember’ and school-wide awareness campaigns and events focused on men’s health. “The idea of linking this reunion to mental health awareness arose from the sad reality that several of our classmates have had tragic outcomes in their battles with mental health, and the reflection that when we were students, there was absolutely no discussion about mental health or suicide,” says Anthony Scilipoti ’90.
