Excel Academy is home to the longest-running Sources of Strength program in Denver Public Schools, creating a culture where students support one another and build meaningful connections.
Sources of Strength is a best practice, strength-based, upstream suicide prevention and mental health promotion program that has shown effectiveness in both preventative upstream and intervention outcomes.
"We do a lot of good work here, and I've seen lives changed," said Liv, one of the program's student leaders.
For Liv, Sources of Strength has been about more than planning events.
"It brought me a lot of community and a sense of purpose because we were putting together all these events... making things a little bit more fun for the school," she said.
One of her favorite memories was leading the "You Can Sit With Us" campaign, inspired by the film Mean Girls, which encouraged students to sit with someone new during lunch.
"We sat with a different person at lunch every day of the week," Liv said. "I got to meet a few new people that way, and now we're friends."
It's a simple idea with a lasting impact, showing how one conversation can grow into genuine friendships and a stronger school community.
Throughout the year, Sources of Strength hosts events that bring people together and support those in need, from community-building activities to providing food for families during the holiday season.
"It's those events that really do open people up," the group shared.
Despite being a smaller school, Excel Academy's student leaders are proving that powerful change doesn't depend on size.
"The smaller the school, the better you get to know people and the more opportunities you have to connect with others," student leader Jesus said. "I love that family atmosphere."
For Liv, the program has also been deeply personal.
"Here, people want to help you, see you grow, and give you opportunities that you don't think you deserve — but you do," she said. "I have confronted a lot of my feelings and understand that this doesn't last forever. You're not going to feel bad forever."
For Dre, a senior leader, helping others has become one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
"Helping others see the ability they have — the potential they have — it's a really good feeling," he said. "I would tell anyone seeking mental health support not to be afraid to ask for it. You have to confront your feelings one way or another."