(Brookville, IN) – The Wildcat Haven was dedicated on Tuesday night at Franklin County High School.
It’s a place where students and staff can “remember those we love, care for ourselves, care for others, and step away from the world to find strength to move forward.”
Senior Jackson Williams and Achievement School leader Chad Gutzwiller led the project.
Williams was in seventh grade when he first met Gutzwiller, and their relationship has grown to become a bond built through mentorship and friendship.
Earlier this year, Williams approached Gutzwiller about an idea he had.
“Shouldn’t we do something for the students and others we have lost,” Williams asked.
The idea led to the transforming a vacant courtyard outside the school library into a safe space for students and staff with a focus on mental health.
“Sometimes people simply need a safe place to go when life gets chaotic and this was created for any member of our Wildcat family. Thank you, Jackson, for stepping up and doing something about it,” Gutzwiller said during the dedication.
The project was made possible by the help of numerous community members and organizations who donated items such as benches, picnic tables, a performance stage, inspirational stones, and landscaping.
(Photo Courtesy: Franklin County Community School Corporation)
There are several others who also provided guidance, expertise, mental health resources and financial support.
