In March, Oak Forest High School senior Ryan Lipsett delivered a powerful and deeply personal address to 1,100 delegates at the Illinois Education Association (IEA) Representative Assembly, advocating for the inclusion of mental health strategies in classrooms. Lipsett’s speech, which emphasized the importance of teacher support, reducing stigma, and policy change, was met with one of only four standing ovations over the weekend, alongside Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, U.S. Representative Sean Casten, and National Education Association (NEA) President Becky Pringle.
The IEA Representative Assembly, the largest gathering of educators in Illinois, provided a platform for Lipsett to share his insights on how educators can better support students' mental health. He was invited to attend by Oak Forest High School teacher Mr. Hogan.
Lipsett’s address focused on the challenges students face when discussing mental health, particularly in the presence of stigma and a lack of accessible resources. He highlighted the importance for educators to receive training in trauma intervention and mental health awareness to create more supportive learning environments. He also discussed the role of social media in shaping students’ mental well-being, emphasizing how curated online personas can contribute to unrealistic expectations and emotional distress.
Leading up to the event, Lipsett prepared diligently, reflecting on his personal experiences and how they shaped his advocacy. While initially nervous, he found reassurance in the supportive atmosphere of the educator-filled audience.
“Teachers are empathetic, and I knew they would understand,” Lipsett shared. “I framed my speech around how they can help students navigate mental health challenges, and it was a perspective I hadn’t explored before.”
Lipsett's presentation resonated deeply with the audience, culminating in a standing ovation. “It was going on a little too long—I didn’t know what to do,” he said, reflecting on the moment with a smile. “But it was incredible. Just looking around and seeing everyone standing—it was really cool.”
As a dedicated mental health advocate graduating from Oak Forest this year, Lipsett hopes to continue his activism beyond high school, even as he pursues a degree in computer science. “I may not go into psychology, but I still want to advocate for mental health awareness in whatever way I can,” he said.
Lipsett closed his speech with a message of encouragement for students struggling with mental health challenges: “Open up earlier. There are people willing to help, and you don’t have to go through it alone.”