April 22, 2026 – In an age of rising teen anxiety and concerns about mental health, Pebblebrook High School Principal Dr. Dana Giles (known around the school as Dr. G), wanted to create a positive shift. She decided that what students really need is a strong dose of joy. This was the impetus behind the powerful, new purpose-driven initiative, Project Joy.
Dr. Giles entrusted her brainchild to dedicated Pebblebrook educators Nia Davis, Alicia Lawyer, and Cherisse Thompson. What the three of them have brought to life in the inaugural year of Project Joy includes experiences meant “to uplift, empower, and pour into young women by intentionally creating space for connection, reflection, and celebration.”
“Students participate in four key events during the spring semester,“ explained Thompson, Pebblebrook’s Cross Country Head Coach and an Athletic Coordinator at the school. “All of these are centered around spreading joy and building meaningful connections.”
The four events are clever and purposeful:
- February: Jump for Joy, a social event at a local trampoline park for interested students to learn about the purpose of Project Joy
- March: March for Joy, an intentional march around the school and community shouting, singing, and spreading positive affirmations
- April: Care for Joy (Community), a chance for students to spend time loving residents in an assisted living facility
- May: Care for Joy (Self), a time of celebration and pouring back into the girls through self-care
“The impact has already been meaningful,” Coach Thompson insisted. “Students are learning the importance of spreading joy, showing appreciation, and building connections despite differences. They are sharing their experiences, supporting one another, and growing in confidence.”
The recent March for Joy saw 45 students take part in its first year. Supported by the three teachers and Dr. Giles, students created signs filled with messages of joy and affirmation to share and shout during the march.
“The march traveled throughout the school, around the perimeter of the campus,” recalled Coach Thompson, “and extended about a mile into the surrounding community before reaching the finish line. The band joined us, adding energy and excitement to the experience. Along the route, students and teachers came out to support, some cheering, some joining the march, and others echoing affirmations and positivity. The overall experience was powerful and uplifting.
“It was a powerful moment seeing teachers and entire classes come out along the route to support the girls.” Thompson continued. “It truly felt like the entire school came together. Our hope is that the girls recognize that support and continue to carry that spirit of joy forward.”
Dr. Giles envisions a bright future for the JOY that Pebblebrook has put in motion.
“It is a movement,” the principal emphasized. “It is a visible reminder that joy is not just a feeling, but a choice, a practice, and a source of strength. Through encouragement, sisterhood, and shared experiences, participants are inspired to embrace their worth, build confidence, and walk boldly in who they are becoming.”
Coach Thompson sees the value of this movement from both sides.
“Project Joy reinforces that joy is something you both give and receive,” she said, “and through that, students are beginning to truly spread their wings.”
The hope is that Pebblebrook’s message of joy continues to soar.
h/t photos provided by Camorra Robinson
