Our FVHS chapter of The Hidden Opponent has officially secured the highest possible grant from Adidas. Our Campus Captain Oliva and senior Olivia Coley wrote the proposal, went through all of the interviewing processes and ultimately made sure that our chapter was the first high school in the country to receive the $2,000 grant.
The Hidden Opponent is a national nonprofit organization with chapters all over the country at the college and high school level. Adidas has decided to pair up with THO, supporting chapters around the country to fund their projects. All of the projects have to stand on THO’s three pillars of advocate, educate and support.
The grant is going to help fund THO’s first 5k run. The run will include a mental mile where participants can take their own pace and free their thoughts, a kids station for the young kids that don’t quite understand mental health yet and there will also be an inclusion of green activities. Green is the primary color for THO; it represents the idea of rebirth and renewal, which are core THO ideals.
“We have so many ideas that have been thrown around. Instead of having bibs with numbers, we want runners to put their names, their reason for running and how that contributes to your overall wellness,” said THO advisor Meghan Gannon.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet is often overlooked, especially among student athletes and teenagers. Stress from school, sports and personal life can take a toll, leading to anxiety, burnout, or even severe mental health struggles. Events like the 5k will give our students and community an opportunity to prioritize their mental well-being in an environment that is open to conversations and support.
Participating in this 5k isn’t just about crossing a finish line, it’s about taking a stand for mental health. By showing up, students, teachers and the community are helping to break the stigma around mental health struggles. It sends a message to everyone that it’s okay to have anxiety, depression and stress, and it sends an even bigger message that it’s okay to talk about it.
“We’re in the process of planning not necessarily a ‘fun run’, but a no pressure run, where students and others can come together,” said Gannon.
Seeking help should never be seen as a weakness and events like these create a sense of unity, reminding everyone that they are not alone in their battles. Running and physical activity have also been proven to release endorphins which naturally helps to reduce stress and improve mood.
Beyond the physical benefits, this event provides a moment of mindfulness, allowing participants to slow down and reflect on their own mental health journeys. The “mental mile” gives runners a dedicated space to process their thoughts, breathe and move at their own untimed pace without pressure.
“I’ve always wanted to do a 5k type of fundraiser; it attracts a ton of people. I don’t think we’re going to time people because it’s for mental health, and we don’t want anyone to feel pressured by a clock. So we’re thinking about doing an at-your-own-pace run. Hopefully people will really enjoy it,” said Coley.
With mental health issues on the rise, especially in younger people, now is the time for us to take action. Supporting and participating in this 5k means making a direct impact, not just for yourself, but for others who may be struggling in silence. Whether you run, walk or simply just show up to support, your presence matters. The Hidden Opponent and Adidas have made this event possible, but it’s up to us and our community to make it meaningful.
