September 19, 2025 — When Ohio State Head Football Coach Ryan Day and his wife Nina walked through the gymnasium doors at Arts Impact Middle School (AIMS), the cheers from students and staff practically shook the rafters. The Days weren't there to talk about playbooks or championships. Instead, the couple came to share a different kind of game plan, one centered on mental health and the importance of taking care of yourself and those around you.
Columbus City Schools (CCS) is committed to preparing students for success not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. For these CCS students, the moment blended the thrill of Buckeye pride with a life-changing message about well-being, creating a connection they won’t soon forget.
The Days have made it their mission to empower young people with tools to protect their mental health through their nonprofit organization, The Kids Mental Health Foundation, and in partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. For eighth grader Chimeik McNeal, the impact of the assembly led by the Days was magnified by who was delivering the message.
“It was empowering, and it meant more coming from a head football coach that has won a National Championship,” Chimeik said.
The Days reminded students that mental health is universal and equally important as physical health. They shared stories from their own lives and from their children, reminding students that even highly visible leaders face stress, anxiety, and pressure.
“No matter who you have in your life, if it’s a teacher, if it’s a mom, if it’s a dad, if it’s a coach, [or] a good friend, talk to somebody about your mental health,” Nina encouraged students.
At the assembly, students learned that stress is not always the enemy and that it can sometimes fuel growth. They heard that choosing friends wisely matters, everyone needs a support system, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The Days even brought kits filled with activities and guides for classrooms to use throughout the year.
In a community where scarlet and gray run deep, the Days’ words carried unique credibility, and students listened intently because the message felt deeply authentic. AIMS Assistant Principal Joshua Battistone said the event’s message was clear.
“Students heard that it doesn’t matter who you are, where you are from, what you do, or what you look like,” he said. “Mental health affects us all and we all have a part to maintain and ensure we have the resources to support our mental health.”
The impact was personal and immediate for the students at AIMS. They were reminded that being a good student, athlete, or artist does not mean being happy all the time. Everyone faces challenges, and everyone deserves support.
The Days’ words landed with weight, but also with hope. Eighth grader Lily Stewart took that message to heart.
“It was inspirational to me, and Coach Day made me feel like it is okay to be stressed or feel pressure,” Lily said.
At the end of the assembly, Ryan and Nina Day answered questions from students about stress, pressure, and even football. They emphasized that perspective matters, that pressure can be a privilege, and that surrounding yourself with the right people is one of the most important choices you can make. Their honesty and humility made the messages land all the more powerfully.
“I learned what mental health means and don’t be afraid to ask for help,” eighth grader Julius Scott said.
As students filed back to class, many clutched the new resources provided for their classrooms. Teachers knew that the lessons learned that morning would not fade quickly. They witnessed a moment where star power opened the door to conversations about vulnerability, resilience, and self-care.
“The building was full of positive charge. Students, staff, and our community were excited to see them both,” Battistone said. “Our students live in the OSU community and so they grow up hearing the games, seeing the fans, and are fans themselves. To have someone show up in their building to talk with them meant a lot, and that positivity will carry through this school year.”
By bringing in partners like Nationwide Children’s Hospital and community leaders like Ryan and Nina Day, CCS continues to model what it means to grow leaders who are equipped to thrive in every aspect of life.
For students at AIMS, the day was unforgettable. The applause that shook the gymnasium when Ryan and Nina Day arrived was only the beginning. The real power of the visit came in the message that followed: you are not alone, you are stronger than you think, and your mental health matters.
