Empowering Future-Ready Students: Lakenheath's Commitment to Student Resilience
“Walked out of the program feeling like a better person,” said Kirra, a freshman at Lakenheath High School, reflecting on her experience in the BOUNCE Resiliency Training Course.
The course, facilitated by Lisa Gonzales, prevention specialist with the 48th Fighter Wing Integrated Resilience Office, and U.S. Air Force Master Resilience Trainer Tech. Sgt. Dion Ward, was held at both Lakenheath High School and Lakenheath Middle School. Resilience mentors Caletha Ellis and Laura Kanka also supported the initiative.
BOUNCE — an acronym for Be optimistic, Observe your thoughts, Use your strengths, Never give up, Communicate effectively, Embrace you — is designed to teach resilience strategies to youth. Adapted from the Headquarters Air Force (HAF) resilience training program, the course is part of the Lakenheath MRT initiative and aims to help students adapt, recover and thrive in times of stress.
Session 1: Lakenheath High School
In January, 21 students from Lakenheath High School participated in the two-day session filled with collaborative learning and self-reflection.
“The BOUNCE program is by far one of the best courses I have participated in,” said Joshua , a junior. “The lessons I learned have changed my perspective. I highly recommend this course to everyone.”
By the end of the training, three students — Natalie, Daevion and Danee — were nominated by their peers to help facilitate the middle school session.
“My experiences during the January resilience training were memorable and helped me implement healthy habits,” said Danee. “When I was nominated to help teach the middle school students, I jumped at the opportunity.”
Session 2: Lakenheath Middle School
At Lakenheath Middle School, seventh grader Conner called the course “a super fun course that teaches you about resilience and how to be a better human being overall.”
One popular activity involved students determining whether example scenarios were positive or negative. When the scenario was negative, students blew up a balloon — a visual representation of stress — and deflated it for positive situations.
Participants also explored their strengths, practiced positive self-talk, and discussed body image, self-concept and gratitude.
“I learned so much from engaging with these bright students,” said Daevion. “They were also hilarious.”
“This experience was a gift,” added Natlie. “I love watching students take steps for self-improvement and practice critical thinking. I would definitely come back for the learning, fun and connections.”
A Model of Collaboration
Education leaders praised the collaborative effort between Lakenheath schools and the military community.
“The efforts undertaken by the Lakenheath High School faculty, in partnership with the local military community, to promote student well-being and resilience are exemplary,” said Daniel Petritz, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support specialist at the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) headquarters. “By working together, the community is taking an integrated approach that will support academic achievement and student preparedness for their futures.”
Looking Ahead
Another high school session is scheduled for April 24–25. Organizers hope to continue strengthening the partnership between Lakenheath schools and the military community through future BOUNCE programs.
“BOUNCE encourages better mindsets for youth and teaches life skills that everyone should learn,” said Reagan, an LHS junior.
As students across Lakenheath learn to BOUNCE back stronger, the program continues to shape future-ready leaders prepared to face life’s challenges with confidence.
