WLHS Hosts Lutheran High School Mental Wellness Summit
On April 15, WLHS Student Services and Hope Squad hosted the first area Lutheran high school Mental Wellness Summit, welcoming students and staff from Shoreland Lutheran, Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Luther Prep, Illinois Lutheran, and Winnebago Lutheran, along with representatives from Christian Family Solutions.
The day began with a powerful keynote from Emily Wittig (KML ’21, MLC ’26), who shared her courageous journey battling cancer. Through her story, she highlighted how faith, family, and community sustained her—reminding attendees that even in life’s most difficult moments, we are anchored in Christ.
After the keynote session, WLHS presented on the program of Hope Squad and a technique called QPR (question persuade refer) to assist schools in their preventative approach toward suicide. In the afternoon, the summit shifted to collaboration and connection. Faculty participated in a roundtable discussion on current mental health trends, resources, and opportunities for ongoing partnership across WELS schools. Students engaged in interactive activities designed to build relationships and reinforce the message that they are part of a broader, supportive Christian community.
By combining personal testimony, professional insight, and cross-school collaboration, the summit reinforced a shared commitment to ensuring our schools are places of both academic excellence and Christ-centered care for mental and spiritual well-being.
