Mexico Public Schools was named Partner of the Year by Arthur Center Community Health, a recognition highlighting a powerful decade-long collaboration focused on supporting the wellbeing of students and families in the Mexico community, a news release stated.

The award was presented to Superintendent Dr. Troy Lentz and Director of Student Services Christina McCaw by Arthur Center CEO, Brock Lough. Arthur Center staff members nominate and select a community partner who goes above and beyond in helping fulfill the shared mission of inspiring community health and wellness.

The partnership between the two organizations began in 2014 with a single phone call; one that marked the start of a transformation in how the district approaches student behavioral and mental health needs.

“We were struggling,” McCaw said in the relsease. “We knew the student needed more than we were able to provide alone. Dorothy Sikyta didn’t hesitate. She stepped in immediately, offering her time, her expertise, and most of all, her heart. That support was the spark that changed everything.”

From that first moment of collaboration with Arthur Center, the two organizations built a trauma-aware approach to learning, making mental wellness a central part of student support. Teachers, staff, and administrators shifted to a mindset of understanding the “why” behind behaviors and how to best help every child feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

As the partnership expanded, the district began meeting regularly with Arthur Center Youth Support Workers to ensure wrap-around services for students and families. In January 2019, those efforts grew into on-site school-based mental health services, bringing licensed professionals directly into school buildings to remove barriers and increase access to care.

“This service has changed lives,” McCaw said. “It has given students access to help without barriers, stigma, or delay.” Adding, families gained relief and direction from trusted entities, while the school staff has confidence in a partnership to meet students’ needs.

Mexico Public Schools and the Arthur Center continue to work side-by-side to ensure that every student is seen, supported, and understood, growing stronger together through shared values and a commitment to the community.

McCaw reflected, “This award represents not only the work we do today, but the journey we began together more than a decade ago, one that has transformed the way we support our students and families. Together, we have built something strong, meaningful, and lasting. And together, we will continue to make a difference.”

Mexico Public Schools stated in the release that it is honored to receive this recognition and looks forward to continuing a partnership that puts the health, safety, and success of students first.