The “USC Speak Your Mind” challenge, originally launched by the MIND club at the University of South Carolina, reached Sierra Vista High School in April of 2025, creating an engaging way to raise mental health awareness and impose a meaningful impact on students and the community.
Inspired by the viral ALS Ice Bucket Challenge of 2014, this movement invites everybody around the world to participate with a mission. In the original ALS campaign, professional golfer Chris Kennedy challenged his cousin Jeanette Senerchia to take part in the challenge in honor of her husband, Anthony Senerchia, who was battling ALS. The challenge went viral and people followed in her footsteps globally. Now, students work to revive the viral movement with an updated focus on mental health.
The USC Speak Your Mind challenge invites participants to dump a bucket of ice water over their heads, post the video to Instagram, and nominate others to do the same. Each video creates an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to encourage donations to Active Minds, a nonprofit that promotes mental wellness for young adults. Since the challenge started, the campaign spread across universities and high schools nationwide, and this past month, it spread locally, making its first appearance in the Lion Den.
Presley Hartstrom (10) shares her experience as a nominee and participant of the challenge, “The shock of the icy water was very intriguing but beyond the cold it was fun to nominate friends and see everyone participate in the challenge. What made it special is knowing that everyone who participated including myself helped raise awareness and funds for mental health research. It felt amazing to be a part of something bigger than myself, and uniting with others to support a worthy cause!”
Jeremiah James (11), one of Presleys nominees, reflects on his experience after completing the challenge himself: “I did the ice bucket challenge because it’s not just about dumping ice water on your head, it’s about bringing awareness to those who struggle with mental health. And to me it’s also letting those who do struggle with mental health know that there is always someone there to help them and they are not alone.”
The videos—shared with hashtags like #SpeakYourMindChallenge and #MindOverMatter—are more than viral content. They serve as a public reminder that mental health matters.
How to Participate:
Film yourself dumping a bucket of ice water over your head.
Post it to Instagram with #SpeakYourMindChallenge.
Nominate friends to do the same.
Donate (and encourage others to donate) to Active Minds.
