After opening this year at the center of Archbishop Carroll’s building, the Connelly Wellness Center has given students a space to step away from stress, connect with peers and access resources while also providing a space for a variety of school activities.
“The Wellness Center has offered me a great place to study when I need somewhere quiet,” senior Mia Perez said. “It’s definitely something I’ll miss as part of the graduating class,” said senior Mia Perez.
School President Tricia Scott, who spearheaded the effort to turn what once had been the school library into the wellness center, sounded pleased with how it is working out.
“The Connelly Wellness Center has quickly become one of the most meaningful additions to our school community,” Dr. Scott said. “It has moved beyond a ‘nice, new’ physical space; it is now the heart of our school and a visible sign of our commitment to the well-being of every student.”
Located across the hall from the chapel, the center offers students a place to attend club meetings and other school-sanctioned events, get computer help from the information technology office, and seek support from campus ministry and the guidance department.
The Wellness Center has improved upon the supportive environment the guidance department already offered on the third floor of the school’s east wing, according to Mrs. Ashley Logan, one of the school’s guidance counselors. For one thing, the new space is quieter. It acts as a space where students can come in and recharge by chatting with a counselor or making a quick trip to the sensory room.
“The Wellness Center has truly made support even more accessible and continues to remind students that we are here to support them academically, emotionally, and personally!” said Mrs. Logan.
Mrs. Michelle Wall, director of marketing and communication at Carroll, has used the space for her activities, too.
“From a social media and event space perspective, it’s been awesome to have,” Mrs. Wall said. “Having a space to conduct student interviews, pictures, and events has been great because it’s a nice open space that really creates a great environment for mingling.”
The latest event that brought students, faculty, and families together in the Wellness Center was the Spring Signing Day, during which some of Carroll’s seniors were celebrated and congratulated for committing to play sports at the collegiate level. Those feted included Konnor Roselle, who committed to Millersville University; Miles Clayton, who committed to Eastern University; Mia Perez, who committed to the University of Delaware; Isabella Maxymuik, who committed to the Catholic University of America; and Kadence Johnson, who committed to Immaculata University. All told, Carroll has 33 students from the Class of 2026 who will continue their athletic careers in college.
“The Wellness Center’s bright, open space allowed my whole family to come to my signing day, which made me feel proud to have them there and to show off my school’s new modern touch,” Perez said.
That’s just the thing Dr. Scott seemed to have in mind for the wellness center.
“I hoped this space would be filled, but seeing this become the reality is just awesome,” she said. “I can’t wait to make this space even more meaningful for everyone.”
