Russell Stuart Speaks to BHHS Men-Tell Health Club on Resilience

On Thursday, the Men-Tell Health Club hosted district board member Russell Stuart, who spoke openly about his own experiences and the role of intentional relationships in navigating life's challenges.

Stuart laid out six principles he said define his approach: responsibility, struggle, skill, mentorship, mission, and service. He stressed the need for young men to curate their inner circle carefully, what he called their "tribe."

"You cannot do this alone," Stuart told the group. "Every young man deserves a circle that tells the truth, holds each other accountable, and stays in the fight together."

The club itself represents a growing recognition among students that traditional notions of masculine strength can sometimes discourage vulnerability. By creating a dedicated space for candid discussions on emotional pressures unique to young men, the group is pushing against that grain, an effort that feels particularly relevant in a high-achieving community like Beverly Hills, where academic and social expectations run high.

Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss, who sat in on the session, called Stuart's remarks a lasting gift to the students.

"Russell Stuart delivered a message our students will carry with them for years to come," Cherniss said. "It was honest, emotional, and deeply inspiring. He reminded us that strength begins with connection, and that vulnerability is not weakness, but courage."

In an era when youth mental health concerns have reached crisis levels nationally, initiatives like Men-Tell Health stand out for being entirely student-initiated. It joins more than 80 other clubs at the school, each reflecting the passions of the campus community.

Such programs underscore a broader shift in education toward holistic support, blending academic rigor with emotional literacy, a balance that experts increasingly see as essential for student well-being.