Discover You™ proudly hosted our annual PeerLIFT Mental Health Assembly on February 19th, welcoming more than 300 students from 11 schools across Midland County for an inspiring day focused on resilience, purpose, and mental wellbeing. The event brought together youth, educators, and community members for a unifying message: failure is feedback, not an identity.
A Message of Resilience from Keynote Speaker Kevin Dupree
Dupree delivered an uplifting message centered on identity and personal growth. His opening statement, “You were created on purpose, for a purpose,” reminded students of their value and potential.
Throughout his talk, Dupree guided students through reframing failure not as a setback, but as a learning opportunity. He invited them to look inward and begin “unleashing the winner within,” reminding them that resilience grows each time they choose to learn from their failures, and move forward with intention.
His energy and authenticity resonated strongly across the room, leaving students and adults alike feeling motivated to embrace opportunities for learning and growth, recognize their value, and use their “winner within” to help others.
Supporting Students as They Reframe Their Story
Following the keynote address, Remi Grey, PeerLIFT Program Administrator, led students in an interactive activity designed to apply the day’s lessons. Students reflected on times they felt like a winner, and times they didn’t.
They then explored the question, “When I’m not feeling like a winner, what can I do to move forward?” Students generated thoughtful, practical ideas, like:
- Journaling to understand their thoughts and feelings
- Reaching out to a trusted friend, mentor, or advisor
- Setting a new goal or adjusting their plan
- Reflecting on what they learned from the experience
The activity helped normalize struggle and emphasized that resilience is built through small, intentional steps.
About PeerLIFT
PeerLIFT is a student-led mental health awareness and support program dedicated to helping young people:
- Learn about mental health and local resources and remove stigma around mental health topics
- Build personal wellbeing
- Strengthen coping skills
- Create a culture of connection and caring within their school communities
The program aims to reduce the stigma surrounding discussions of mental health topics, raise awareness of community mental health resources, and empower students to seek help when they need it.
PeerLIFT leverages the proven Discover You™ curriculum, which provides practical tools for building self-awareness, goal-setting, and emotional wellbeing. The program is enriched through collaboration with community partners, including the Barb Smith Suicide Resource and Response Network and The Great Lakes Bay Mental Health Partnership.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The PeerLIFT program and this impactful event would not be possible without the generous support of our community sponsors. We extend our sincere gratitude to Midland Rotary Foundation, Midland Noon Rotary Club, Rotary Club of Midland Morning, MyMichigan Health and Michigan Health Endowment Fund.
Their commitment and financial support helps ensure that students across the region have access to meaningful mental health programming, empowering educational experiences, and access to build a future filled with resilience, hope, and connection.
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