In honor of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, Missouri Military Academy focused on education, awareness and prevention for its middle school and high school cadets. On Wednesday, Sept. 22, Westminster College Professor of Health and Exercise Science Dr. Amanda Gowin presented “Healthy Minds: Together for Mental Health,” the first of a series of wellness-related programs that Dr. Gowin will share with the corps.

“Adolescence is a fast-paced time of development and change, so promoting wellness and raising awareness of mental health challenges are important,” says Dr. Gowin. “Cadets will learn what ‘mental health’ means, ways to take care of themselves for good mental health, and how to seek help if they encounter times of mental distress in their lives.” 

Through the presentation, cadets learned ways to destigmatize mental health challenges, offer support to others, and how to step up to get help for themselves and their peers when needed. 

In addition to her role as an educator and expert in health and nutrition, Dr. Gowin is the mother of 8th grade cadet Sam Stevens. She and her husband Matt Gowin, community bank president at the Bank of Missouri in Mexico, reside in Fulton, Missouri. Cadet Stevens participates in the Academy’s day cadet program for middle and high school age boys. 

In the second presentation in the wellness programming series, to be held on October 6, Dr. Gowin will teach cadets about healthy nutrition and good eating habits. Through MMA’s 360° Education program, the Academy helps young men reach their full potential through a caring academic setting, defined by its emphasis on structure, self-discipline, accountability, that includes a focus on a strong, healthy lifestyle. Cadets learn to take command of their futures and how the development of healthy lifestyle habits and smart choices help them to achieve success.