In February, Monroe-Woodbury High School announced M-W CARES Day to discuss ways to overcome challenges students face in life and to develop a healthy, positive outlook.

The school will be hosting the new event on October 26 for Monroe-Woodbury students and staff. CARES is an acronym that means Compassion, Acceptance, Respect, Empowerment, and Success

Over 100 speakers are expected to take part in the event, sharing personal experiences and challenges that they’ve overcome, in order to give students a more positive outlook on life. Speakers will discuss certain topics, such as depression, substance abuse, suicide, LGBTQ awareness, and more.

Speakers will include former WWE Wrestling Champion Marc Mero. former Miss USA Tara Conner and world champion beatboxer, actress, producer and educator Kaila Mullady.

“As educators, we spend a lot of time talking to our students about the challenges they will face in life. Many of them are grappling with difficult issues as teenagers,” said Principal Kaste in the press release. “The inspiration behind M-W CARES is our desire to help our children better understand that there is always help and support, even when they feel all hope is lost.’’

Superintendent Elsie Rodriguez said in the press release “today’s high school age students deal with many pressures at school and outside of our buildings. As a district, we want to arm them with information and resources that will help them cope and be successful, healthy individuals who in turn make a difference in our community.’’

“I think it’s a good message some people need to hear,” said student Caleb Hoernig. “I think it’s a step in the right direction because this stuff happens and it sometimes seems like they don’t care.”