A Little on the Psychology Honor Society

Let’s take the time to appreciate Ferguson’s Psychology Honor Society (PHS), an extremely active club that works on promoting Mental Health Awareness around the school campus. Every single member is extremely invested and is constantly working hard making the club thrive through their determination.

PHS hosts a variety of events throughout the school year, all devoted to the expansion of Mental Health Awareness in the student body. Each month, they select a different topic from the many vital ones that need to be addressed, contributing to helping the school become a more welcoming environment.

This past September, for example, the club members dedicated themselves to the issue of self-isolation. PHS worked with the Sandy Hook Promise to host “Start with Hello,” which consisted of numerous activities for a week that aimed at promoting socialization among students. “The idea was to tackle social isolation,” said Mr. Sierra, psychology teacher and club sponsor. “Students might be alone and not with friends, and we want people to be social and communicate.”

PHS is also hosting an event this month (October) that will focus on the topic of Suicide Prevention; they plan on hosting a Suicide Prevention Week, which will be taking place this week, the 11th to the 15th. Rest assured that this week will be an exciting and eventful time for the student body and club members combined!

It is clear through the various activities PHS has been able to host smoothly that the board consists of a very tight-knit group of people, who are very passionate about the club’s purpose.  Having that collaboration is essential for a working group. “Since I found out about PHS in freshman year, I always thought it was the coolest club,” said Club President, senior Rebekah Cristobol. “Many of us in the club had taken psychology with Mr. Sierra, and since he hosted a very fun and friendly class, we all already got along by the time we joined the club,” she added.

“The students that are in the club actually care about this stuff. They know about the topics, and they care about it,” Mr. Sierra shared, emphasizing how proud he is of students.

PHS does not only commit itself to in-school activities. A couple years ago, the club members went on a field trip to the University of Miami, to speak with the head of the psychology department and tour the school. This field trip was planned with the goal of helping students become familiar with activities related to psychology. Mr. Sierra had intended to make these field trips a yearly occurrence, but unfortunately, that was not possible for the past few years. Hopefully, the field trips will be able to make a comeback soon.

PHS is most definitely making a positive impact on our student body here at Ferguson, and it is all thanks to the wonderful, dedicated club members and sponsor!