Kaukauna High School hosts mental health awareness basketball game

The school partnered with NAMI Fox Valley to raise awareness and support for mental health issues.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Kaukauna High School in Wisconsin hosted a 'Go Lime Green' mental health awareness basketball game, partnering with the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to normalize conversations around mental health and empower students to seek help if needed. The game featured lime green shirts for fans, players, and the orchestra, as Kaukauna has invested significantly in mental health initiatives after several student and teacher tragedies in the past.

Why it matters

The event is part of a wider effort among schools to address the growing mental health challenges faced by teenagers, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By hosting awareness events and normalizing discussions around mental health, schools like Kaukauna hope to encourage students to seek support and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

The details

The basketball game was the culmination of a week-long school-wide program focused on mental health awareness. In addition to the game, Kaukauna High School has implemented other mental health initiatives, including regular wellness checks with students and programs that work with other school districts and family services.

  • The 'Go Lime Green' mental health awareness basketball game took place on February 14, 2026.

The players

NAMI Fox Valley

The local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a non-profit organization that seeks to support those struggling with mental illness.

Tina Scott

Kaukauna High School psychologist who is working to normalize conversations around mental health and wellness.

Megan Zimmerman

Outreach Program Director at NAMI Fox Valley, who believes that normalizing mental health discussions can empower people to seek help.

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What they’re saying

“I think the more that we are normalizing the conversation and making it okay to talk about, we are then empowering people to reach out for help, to talk about it, and potentially seek out services if they're needed.”

— Megan Zimmerman, Outreach Program Director, NAMI Fox Valley

“I just want to normalize talking about wellness. And it's okay to not be okay, for kids to lean on one another, lean on adults in the school, reach out.”

— Tina Scott, Kaukauna High School Psychologist

What’s next

Kaukauna High School plans to continue expanding its mental health initiatives and hosting similar awareness events in the future to support the well-being of its students.

The takeaway

By hosting a mental health awareness basketball game and implementing other mental health programs, Kaukauna High School is setting an example for how schools can proactively address the growing mental health challenges faced by teenagers, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.