Students at Local High School Hold Video Gaming Event to Raise Funds for Hathaway-Sycamores

Students from Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences in Granada Hills recently hosted a video game tournament at Worlds Collide eSports Gaming Lounge to raise awareness about mental health in teens.

The gaming event was organized by Valley Academy students Bryan, Jazmin and Valerie as part of a school project which takes the high school requirement of volunteer hours one step further: juniors and seniors must design a project that makes an impact on their community.

The three teens wanted to share information with their schoolmates to help destigmatize mental health issues. They did research about games and mental health, and discovered some positive outcomes which led them to the idea of hosting a video game tournament fundraiser. The students were responsible for organizing the entire event, and were very determined to raise funds. Bryan even negotiated a discounted rate to rent the venue by playing and winning a game with the manager!  Proceeds from the tournament were donated to our programs and services.

Thank you to Valley Academy students Bryan, Jazmin and Valerie for their thoughtful efforts to raise awareness about mental health and for their generosity in supporting Hathaway-Sycamores.