On Thursday, January 22, 2026, Cypress High School had the honor of hosting the Jarren Duran Community Foundation Mental Health Master Class Launch Event, a powerful and inspiring experience centered on connection, wellness, and hope.
Jarren Duran returned to his alma mater not as a professional athlete alone, but as a mentor and advocate—openly sharing his own mental health journey and modeling what it looks like to ask for help, practice positive self-talk, and lean on trusted adults and peers. For our students, seeing a Cypress alumnus who has reached the highest levels of professional sports speak candidly about struggle, resilience, and growth was deeply meaningful and validating.
The event began in the Cypress High School Wellness Center with intentional conversations around coping strategies and emotional well-being, followed by lunch and a transition to the varsity baseball field. There, students rotated through hands-on activity stations designed to promote creativity, confidence, and joy—including skateboarding clinics with Beyond the Board, drone flying, DJ lessons, spray-painting skateboards, bats, and hats, and collaborative art projects.
The day concluded with a group canvas project, music, photos, and personal moments for students to connect with Jarren through signings and conversations.
More than an event, this was an affirmation. Students felt seen, supported, and reminded that their school community—and its alumni—care deeply about their well-being. Jarren’s willingness to give back and be vulnerable created a safe space for healing, inspiration, and belonging, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.
Courtesy Cypress High School