A Crisis in the Shadows
As graduation caps soar, a sobering reality grounds us: during the 2020–2021 academic year, over 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem, according to the Healthy Minds Study, which collects data from 373 campuses nationwide (Lipson et al., 2022). This statistic underscores the urgent need to address mental health as students transition into adulthood.
The Power of Storytelling
At Connally High School in Waco, Texas, students confronted these challenges head-on through the Captains Circle Peer Leadership Program. Their experiences culminated in Today We Win: How Real Students Found the Answers to Life’s Tests (Volume 2), an anthology of personal narratives that delve into struggles with bullying, family dynamics, academic pressures, and self-doubt. This project not only provided a therapeutic outlet but also fostered a sense of community and resilience among the participants.
Celebrating Resilience
Special recognition goes to five remarkable students—Isaac, My’Toria, Caleigh, Bryson, and Alaina—who graduated last week. Their contributions to the book exemplify the courage and introspection needed to confront mental health challenges head-on. Their stories serve as beacons of hope for peers facing similar struggles.
Two Strategies for Supporting Student Mental Health
- Encourage Open Dialogue: Create safe spaces where students feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of judgment.
- Promote Access to Resources: Ensure that students are aware of and have access to mental health services, including counseling and support groups.
An Invitation to Empower
As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month and the achievements of the Class of 2025, we invite schools and communities to partner with Committed 2 Win. Together, we can create safe spaces, establish support groups, and promote sustained student success for the 2025–26 school year.
References
Lipson, S. K., Lattie, E. G., & Eisenberg, D. (2022). Trends in college student mental health and help-seeking by race/ethnicity: Findings from the national Healthy Minds Study, 2013–2021. Journal of Affective Disorders, 306, 138–147.
Darryl W. Thomas, Jr. is a U.S. Marine, leadership development expert, award-winning speaker, five-time bestselling author, and at-risk interventionist with over two decades of experience. He is the CEO of Committed 2 Win, a personal and leadership development community focused on inspiring, challenging, and empowering young people and adults to overcome adversity and take ownership in becoming the best version of themselves.Beyond his professional achievements, Darryl is a devoted family man, married to his high school sweetheart for 24 years and father to five children: a U.S. Marine, a TCU graduate, a University High School graduate, and two University High scholar-athletes.Let’s continue this conversation and ensure that every student knows they are not alone on their journey.Follow Darryl at LinkedIn, X and YouTube.
As summer kicks off, kids will be running around in the bleak Texas sun for hours on end. However, when the kiddos get home, they are still seeking entertainment from family and friends. The most vital activity children should engage in this season is reading! Literacy rates in our highly educated country continue to drop as teachers struggle to get students actively and emotionally connected to reading literature. Aiding in a child’s advancing literacy is setting up their future for success. The best way guardians can help kids they interact with is by supplying them with books and reading with them.
This summer, the Waco-McLennan County Library is inviting readers of all ages to participate in the Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge, running from June 1 through July 31. The free program encourages daily reading throughout the summer, and the more days participants read, the more chances they have to win prizes. Luckily, Waco has a system of fantastic public libraries to visit. These spaces are not only meant for checking out books to read, but they have daily activities for various age ranges, encouraging community play. To sign up for a library card and register today, visit their website!
Waco also has a wonderful commitment to free, accessible literature, with Little Free Libraries placed throughout neighborhoods in the city. To find a Little Free Library near you, visit the official map. As the system works, bring a book that no longer serves you, place it in the Little Free Library, and select a novel that is calling your name! At times, it is hard to give up your precious books, so do not fret. Take a novel, and bring one back when you can. In the meantime, share it with as many people as possible, for the gift of storytelling keeps on giving.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
WACO, Texas — At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Council Member Alice Rodriguez concluded more than 26 years of service as she passed leadership of District 2 to Isabel Lozano.
Rodriguez’s final meeting featured a mariachi performance and a reception in her honor, highlighting her decades of dedication to South Waco. Mayor Jim Holmes also announced the development of a new public space — Alice Martinez Rodriguez Park — to be built at the former Floyd Casey Stadium site in recognition of her lasting impact on the community.
Rodriguez’s legacy includes championing key initiatives such as the Cotton Palace ballfields, the Floyd Casey housing development and various Hispanic heritage programs.
The City of Waco extends its sincere gratitude to Rodriguez for her years of service, leadership and commitment to District 2.
This week’s meeting also marked the swearing-in of three council members: returning members Darius Ewing (District 4) and George Chase (District 5), as well as newcomer Isabel Lozano (District 2). All will serve two-year terms.
Additionally, Council Member Andrea Barefield (District 1) was named mayor pro tem by a vote of the council. The mayor pro tem assumes mayoral duties in the absence of Mayor Holmes.
The city looks forward to continued progress under the leadership of its newly seated council.
By: Darryl W. Thomas
Connally High Students to Host Book Signing, Celebrate Leadership and Literacy
WACO, Texas — In an era marked by mounting academic pressure and constant distractions, Connally High School is igniting a passion for learning and leadership among its students.
On May 6, the school will host a book signing for Today We Win: How Real Students Found the Answers to Life’s Tests, a student-authored compilation developed through the Captains Circle Peer Leadership Program. The event will celebrate students who completed the eight-week course focused on leadership development, accountability and advocacy.
The program, founded by U.S. Marine and leadership expert Darryl W. Thomas Jr., helps students build confidence and discover the power of storytelling. Each participant contributed a personal essay to the book, reflecting on challenges, growth and lessons learned.
“This is about helping students find their voice and realize they can be the author of their own future,” said Thomas, who founded Committed 2 Win to mentor youth through leadership training.
With 77% of Connally’s student population classified as economically disadvantaged and a similar percentage identifying as minorities, these achievements reflect the resilience and determination of a community that continues to rise above adversity.
The May 6 event will offer the public a chance to meet the young authors, hear their stories and learn more about the program’s impact. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase signed copies of the book.
“This is more than a book. It’s a movement,” Thomas said. “We’re building leaders who know how to use their experiences to create positive change.”
For more information about the book signing or the Captains Circle Peer Leadership Program, contact Connally High School or visit committed2win.org.
Editor’s Note: Event details are subject to change. Please verify information with the hosting organization.
Contact Committed 2 Win
O: (254) 436-7349
www.committed2win.com
April is National Volunteer Month! This month, recognize and celebrate the contributions of volunteers by getting involved, developing skills, forming relationships, and making tangible impacts in our community. Consider your own interests, reflect on your availability, and apply to help businesses in the Greater Waco area! Check out the new Volunteer Board for additional opportunities.
Art Center Waco has many volunteer opportunities, including work with their art summer camps, general family events, artists workshops, and much more. Until July 2025, Art Center Waco will be accepting applications for this summer’s Elementary and Teen Art Camps. High school students have the opportunity to lead as Youth Ambassadors for Art Center Waco. Apply, email a staff member at [email protected], or call the center at (254)-752-4371 for additional details.
The Waco Animal Birth Control Clinic is a primary resource for pet owners and lovers in the community. Help out the fantastic veterinarians and veterinary technicians by organizing rabies tags, cleaning and labeling syringes, and doing loads of laundry for the health and happiness of our animal friends. Visit https://www.animalbirthcontrol.org/volunteer to apply for positions and track volunteer hours.
The Cameron Park Zoo offers unique volunteering experiences, including aiding animal keepers, entertaining park guests with hands-on activities, and maintaining the grounds’ garden life. The Zoo Crew is the park’s teen volunteer program, which runs through summer and gives kids real zookeeping experiences. For applications and additional information, visit https://www.cameronparkzoo.com/programs/volunteer/.
WACO, Texas – RESCHEDULED – Brazos Nights returns this summer with a season of free concerts along the Brazos River, offering live music, local food trucks and family-friendly activities.The popular concert series begins Friday, April 25th, at Indian Spring Park, just off University Parks Drive. This year’s opening act is Bowling for Soup, a Texas-based band known for hits such as “1985,” “Girl All the Bad Guys Want” and “High School Never Ends.”Concertgoers can enjoy the riverfront amphitheater’s scenic views while sampling local cuisine and participating in community events. Additional performances are scheduled throughout the summer, including a special Independence Day celebration on July 4 at McLane Stadium.For a full schedule of events, performers and vendor details, visit the official Brazos Nights website.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.
The Jubilee Food Market of Mission Waco is set to close on March 31st.
On Wednesday, a statement was uploaded to Mission Waco’s platforms announcing the closure of the cherished community store at the end of the month.
In 2016, with the help of many generous donors, we started Jubilee Food Market to provide affordable, fresh food options in our neighborhood, which had limited access to groceries. Over the past seven years, positive improvements in local food availability—including new grocery stores, expanded online delivery services, and more affordable shopping choices—have reduced Jubilee’s role in meeting this need. After a season of discernment, we have decided to close Jubilee Food Market. Our last day of operation will be Monday, March 31st.
We are extremely grateful for the seven years of impact JFM has had on the neighborhood. From providing jobs to our neighbors to offering healthy food options close to home and sustaining our neighbors through the COVID-19 pandemic, JFM served the community well and left a lasting legacy in the area. From the founder of Mission Waco, Jimmy Dorrell, “We celebrate Jubilee Food Market and all that it provided to this neighborhood. We are grateful to all who shopped there and who donated their time and resources to make sure there was an oasis in what was once a food desert.” We are committed to retaining all JFM employees by offering them new roles within Mission Waco. Our staff is critical in helping us continue to fulfill our broader mission of empowering, equipping, and engaging. A new strategy will allow us to focus our resources on expanding and strengthening programs and services and are excited about the many possibilities for the site of JFM. We prayerfully and diligently enter this new chapter expecting to see an even greater impact on the lives of the people we serve.
For more information about the transition and Mission Waco’s ongoing programs, please contact Carlos Hinojosa, Associate Executive Director of Advancement through our main office.
This non-profit grocery has served impoverished neighborhoods in Waco for nearly a decade, dwelling on N 15th Street and Colcord Avenue since 2016. Mission Waco originally established Jubilee Market to address a food desert in North Waco, stocking shelves with fresh, affordable produce, home goods, and everyday items. With competing markets in the area, such as HEB, Mission Waco has decided to invest in their other projects around the community. While processing the loss of this Waco staple and figuring out the next shopping spot, ensure neighbors have access to their necessities, for the community is great, but it is made better with food. Celebrate the ending chapter of Jubilee Food Market in Waco.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.
WACO, Texas – The Greater Waco Sports Commission is looking for volunteers for two upcoming spring events: the Light Up the Dark 5K on April 12 and the 3V3 Basketball Tournament on April 25.
The Light Up the Dark 5K, presented by Chick-fil-A and hosted by Unbound Now, will take place at Cameron Park Zoo. This family-friendly race supports Unbound Now’s anti-human trafficking efforts. Multiple volunteer shifts are available, with some allowing participants to both volunteer and run in the 5K.
The 3V3 Basketball Tournament, hosted by Baylor University, will be held at Midway High School. Volunteers are needed to run the clock, update brackets and help keep the tournament on schedule.
Both events are listed on POINT and can be accessed through the Greater Waco Sports Commission website at wacosports.org/volunteers or by logging into a POINT account and viewing the GWSC page.
For more information, contact Caitlyn at [email protected].
Debbie Wright is driven by a passion for social media management, digital storytelling, and community activism. She specializes in creating engaging online content. Through blogs, she explores local culture, art, lifestyle, and travel, while fostering ccommunity. Tune into the Know Waco podcast for dynamic conversations and insights.
WACO, Texas – The Waco Downtown Farmers Market hosted its first gathering at Bridge Street Plaza on Saturday, marking a new chapter for the weekly event. While initial concerns about parking suggested patrons might face a 15-minute walk, most attendees found themselves within a five- to 10-minute stroll of the market.
The new East Waco location proved to be an upgrade, offering walkable pathways between vendors, open green spaces for families and pets, and shaded seating areas. At the heart of the market, musicians performed on a central stage, adding to the lively atmosphere on a picture-perfect day.
The debut at Bridge Street Plaza drew a strong turnout, leading to long lines and high demand. Some vendors sold out of products before noon. Travis French, owner of No Label Mushrooms, was optimistic about the market’s future.
“I’ve been doing markets for a long time—many in the area. With this kind of turnout, we’ll stock more next time,” French said. “We just hope this crowd and energy continue.”
With sunny skies, enthusiastic crowds, and a strong sense of community, the Waco Downtown Farmers Market’s first event in East Waco was a resounding success.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.
Waco Block Party 2025 is set to bring the community together once again for a weekend filled with music, local vendors, and a celebration of creativity. From February 28 to March 2, this annual event, hosted by Southern Roots Brewing Co. and Rogue Media Network, will showcase Waco’s vibrant arts and culture scene while supporting a meaningful cause.
This year’s Block Party will benefit The Cove, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources and support for unhoused youth in Waco. The Cove is a Waco-based nonprofit designed to specifically provide a safe space for youth experiencing homelessness to access the resources they need to thrive. The Cove serves our community as a safe haven for high school students experiencing homelessness, offering essential services such as hot meals, showers, laundry facilities, and access to counseling, job training, and academic support. Their mission is to create a nurturing environment where youth can find stability, develop skills, and build a path toward a brighter future.
With a full lineup of events designed to engage and entertain, the weekend promises something for everyone.
The event kicks off on Friday, February 28, with an All Request Piano Night at Southern Roots Brewing Co. From 7 to 10 PM, guests can request their favorite songs, sing along, and enjoy craft beer and food from Southern Roots, setting the tone for an exciting weekend ahead.
Saturday, March 1, is packed with activities, including a Battle of the Bands, a vendor market, and a car show. Local musicians will compete for the top spot, while vendors showcase unique handmade goods and businesses from across Waco. Car enthusiasts will also have the chance to admire a variety of classic and custom vehicles. With entertainment, shopping, and community engagement all in one place, it’s the perfect way to spend the day.
The weekend concludes on Sunday, March 2, with The Texas Creator Awards at the Waco Hippodrome. This event highlights some of Texas’s most talented podcasters, filmmakers, writers, and social media creators, recognizing their impact on storytelling and digital media. The awards ceremony is a chance to celebrate the creative voices shaping the region’s artistic landscape.
Waco Block Party isn’t just about having a great time—it’s about giving back. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go directly to The Cove, helping provide much-needed services to youth in need. By attending, sponsoring, or spreading the word, the Waco community can play a role in making a lasting difference.
Mark your calendars and gather your friends for a weekend of music, community, and purpose. Stay connected by following Southern Roots Brewing Co. and Rogue Media Network on social media for updates. https://www.wacoblock.party/
Debbie Wright is driven by a passion for social media management, digital storytelling, and community activism. She specializes in creating engaging online content. Through blogs, she explores local culture, art, lifestyle, and travel, while fostering connections within the community. As part of rebranding Cultivate Waco, she has lead a community art initiative project that hosts pop-ups, classes, and events to inspire creativity and collaboration. Tune into the Know Waco podcast for dynamic conversations and insights.