Two Penn Manor High School students presented at the Education to Action: Connected and Protected School Security Summit on October 8, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Executive Director of Aevidum, Francesca Pileggi, introduced Aevidum to the summit attendees. Penn Manor Aevidum members, Neveah Greenawalt and Morgan Milisock, alongside club advisor and high school psychology teacher, Maria Vita spoke to attendees about the “Friday Fun” campaign.
Greenawalt and Milisock spoke about the campaign’s main goal of reducing social isolation, which is the most visible and preventable factor of targeted school violence. By encouraging fun games during a FLEX period, Aevidum applies the “Broaden and Build theory” of psychology which says positive emotions expand social connections.
During “Friday Fun,” students choose to participate in a variety of enjoyable activities that range from bracelet making, pet therapy, board games, trivia, and door decorating. By setting aside time to have fun, Aevidum hope to give students an opportunity to “De-Stress and check-in on our mental health.”
In 2024, the club sent a survey out to students and it showed how effective “Friday Fun” was for the school. Student feelings of inclusion increased by 35% and willingness to seek help from a trusted adult increased by 35%.
The club utilizes “Friday Fun” as an opportunity to talk about mental health resources available such as “988,” a number that people can call or text 24-hours a day, 7-days a week with emotional struggles or concern.
Way to go, Neveah and Morgan! We are grateful for the hard work and involvement of our Aevidum club.