By: NYSPHSAA Staff

LATHAM, NY (4/22/2025) – The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) announces the Skaneateles High School ‘Morgan’s Message’ Club as the winner of the NYSPHSAA Community Service Challenge for Winter 2025. The Lakers were selected by the NYSPHSAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) out of an impressive 204 project submissions. This is the first time Skaneateles High School has won this award in the 14 years of the program’s existence. NYSPHSAA utilizes the Team Up 4 Community platform to allow schools to submit their community service initiatives.
 
One of the more impactful events this winter, the Skaneateles boys basketball team hosted a ‘Morgan’s Message’ night, working together with the club- which consist of mostly student-athletes, to assist in sharing the purpose of the club, providing resources and support to combat the mental health epidemic in the student-athlete community. Since the club's introduction to the school four years ago, the boys basketball team, along with girls basketball, ice hockey and soccer teams, host a ‘Morgan’s Message’ night each season.  
 
“I witnessed firsthand how our dedication game reached far beyond the players on the court,” said Morgan’s Message club advisor Kristin Moses. “The messages we received from coaches and officials following the event were deeply moving, and a powerful reminder that mental health touches all of us—athletes, coaches, referees, and families alike.” 
 
The club set up informational tables equipped with resources for student-athletes and individuals facing mental health challenges.
 
“This game created space for conversation, reflection, and connection,” said Moses. “It reminded us all that while we come together for sport, it’s our humanity that binds us and life will always matter more than the final score.”
 
In addition to the resource tables at games, the club also sells t-shirts, stickers, and awareness ribbons featuring critical information, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number. These items were designed to help normalize mental health conversations and ensure those in need know how and where to seek help.
 
“As we continue to address the challenges surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community, the efforts demonstrated by Skaneateles High School’s ‘Morgan’s Message’ club are truly inspiring,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “By actively engaging with and supporting their school’s Morgan’s Message club during their game, these student-athletes sent a powerful message—that no one is ever truly alone, and that support is always available for those who need it.”
 
Learn more about Morgan’s Message at Skaneateles high school on the Team Up 4 Community platform.
 
During the Winter Community Service Challenge, 204 service projects were submitted with over 13,700 student athletes participating and compiling over 76,300 hours of volunteerism. In total, $183,356 was raised for charitable causes.
 
NYSPHSAA is now accepting applications on the Team Up 4 Community platform for the Spring 2025 Community Service Challenge. Teams have until Monday, June 9, 2025 to submit their community service projects, and can learn more here.