The Eagles’ Lane Johnson will be one of two guests addressing their battles with mental health at the Pave the Lane for Mental Health event at Clearview Regional High School on Monday.
Clearview Regional High School is teaming with the Paul Michael Donahue Memorial Foundation, a mental-health charity, and Faith on the Field, a Christian sports radio talk show, to host the Pave the Lane for Mental Health at 6 p.m. on Monday at the school.
The event will promote mental health by sharing the stories of two guests who will discuss their own experiences and how they prioritize their well-being: Eagles all-pro Lane Johnson and 97.5 Fanatic radio host and Faith on the Field Founder Rob Maaddi.
“This in-person event is a unique opportunity to learn from these two amazing individuals and connect with others who are passionate about mental wellness,” said Clearview student assistant counselor Jess Datz.
Johnson has openly shared issues with anxiety and depression over his on-field performance with media outlets such as Sports Illustrated and ESPN. Maaddi has also discussed his issues after the passing of his father.
“I grew up with a tough-it-out, suck-it-up mentality as an athlete, and that carried over from sports into personal lives,” noted Maaddi, who played college baseball. “We didn’t talk about our issues. We fought internal battles quietly. It was a different era, especially for men and athletes. There was – and to a certain degree – still is a negative stigma surrounding mental health.
“It’s crucial that we break down those barriers and help everyone understand there is no shame in not feeling OK,” he added. “There are so many negative influences impacting our youth and they’re vulnerable. We must help them understand there’s power in prioritizing your mental wellness and you can get better if you seek proper help.
“You’re not weaker for seeking help, you’re stronger for it.”
The Paul Michael Donahue Foundation was founded by the family of Paul “Paulie” Donahue, a Mullica Hill resident and Clearview alumnus who died by suicide in 2022, to help other families prevent similar tragedies.
“When we were planning one of our Faith on the Field mental wellness events with pro football Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins last year, I learned about the tragic suicides the Clearview High School community endured,” Maaddi recalled. “I previously lived in Mantua Township for 16 years. It’s been in my heart ever since to host an event that will encourage the students and the entire community to prioritize their mental wellness.
“I reached out to (Clearview soccer coach) Dodd Terry and we made it happen with help from wonderful partners, including the Paul Michael Donahue Memorial Foundation.”
It was this goal in mind that would lead to Mantua Mayor Robert Zimmerman to encourage people to attend the event.
“The Mantua and Harrison (township) communities are combining efforts in support of mental-health awareness,” noted Mantua Mayor Robert Zimmerman. “The township committee and I recognize the seriousness of mental-health awareness, especially around the holiday season. We encourage our residents with teenage children to get involved and attend this event.”
