Bailie Award Lisa Pappas & Lily Reihs
Lily Reihs, a senior at Wofford College, has long been passionate about mental health advocacy—a commitment shaped by her own experiences with depression and anxiety. In 2023, during Greek Week, she attended a mental health workshop hosted by the college’s Panhellenic Council. What she didn’t expect was how life-changing that single session would be.
The workshop was led by Lisa Pappas, a local advocate who shared the deeply personal story of losing her son, Cameron, to suicide. Lisa’s vulnerability, resilience, and unwavering dedication to raising mental health awareness left a lasting impression on Lily. Their shared passion for advocacy quickly formed the foundation of a strong and meaningful friendship.
Later that fall, Lily invited Lisa to speak again—this time to members of her sorority, Kappa Delta. Lisa’s story once more resonated deeply with attendees, sparking important conversations about mental health. During that workshop, Lisa mentioned a past event she had organized in Cameron’s honor—the “CamRun.” Over time, as Cameron’s friends graduated and moved on, the event naturally faded.
Wanting to express her gratitude to Lisa and continue sharing Cameron’s legacy, Lily asked if she’d be open to creating something new. Together, they co-founded Cam’s Club—an initiative dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, honoring Cameron’s memory, and supporting those affected by suicide.
For Lily, the work is deeply personal. Through her own struggles with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, she’s come to understand the healing power of connection and storytelling. Cam’s Club stands as a symbol of hope and a reminder that no one has to face their battle alone.
Lisa Pappas has been a tireless mental health advocate across South Carolina. She currently serves on the board of Mental Health America of Spartanburg and has previously worked with NAMI, organizing suicide prevention walks statewide. Whether sharing her story in front of a crowd or connecting with individuals one-on-one, Lisa is someone who both talks the talk and walks the walk—changing lives and saving lives with every step.
From Surviving to Thriving Ronald “Manny” Foxe
Ronald, a freshman at Converse University and graduate of Dorman High School, is a passionate and driven aspiring dancer with dreams of one day performing on the grand stages of New York City. But behind his graceful movements and ambition lies a powerful journey of emotional growth and self-discovery.
From a young age—even as early as elementary school—Ronald wrestled with feelings of inferiority and internal conflict. He describes his younger self as “pulled together by stitches and promises to be better,” walking a line between imaginary friends and a deep sense of not being enough. Despite the support around him, he often felt invalidated and overwhelmed by pressure to succeed, which led to experiences of anxiety and hopelessness.
Throughout his adolescence, Ronald worked tirelessly to refine his craft, yet often found himself comparing his progress to others—watching friends receive awards while he quietly tucked himself behind daydreams and fading moments. “I begged to forget the time that was already forgotten by others,” he reflects.
When Ronald began therapy in his late teens, he was searching for a quick fix—hoping for an overnight transformation. What he discovered instead was the slow and meaningful process of learning to understand himself. Through therapy, he developed the tools to challenge unhelpful thought patterns, advocate for his needs, and manage anxiety in the face of uncertainty.
In a competitive environment, Ronald learned to embrace who he is. He began affirming his worth, letting go of toxic relationships, and creating space for self-compassion. No longer trying to meet unrealistic expectations, he found peace in his own presence—cherishing his time, energy, and personal growth.
Today, Ronald not only continues to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional dancer, but also teaches dance at his former high school. Helping others find their rhythm—both physically and emotionally—has become a calling of its own. He finds joy in guiding young dancers as they navigate their own challenges, encouraging them to cultivate both balance and awareness in their bodies and minds.
Ronald’s story is still unfolding, but his resilience, talent, and openness to growth have already made a lasting impact. With a strong sense of purpose and a deep understanding of mental health, Ronald is poised to continue doing incredible work at the intersection of art and healing.
From Surviving to Thriving Toyé Durrah
Toyé Durrah is a practicing artist and mental health advocate whose work blends personal experience, community engagement, and creative expression. With a background in textile stitching and fabric sculpture, Toyé’s art explores the complexities of identity and recovery—particularly through the lens of their experience as a Black, non-binary, queer person from the American South.
Now over a decade into their non-linear recovery journey following a non-fatal suicide attempt, Toyé uses both their lived experience and creative practice to support others navigating mental health challenges. Their work is deeply personal and powerfully resonant, often addressing themes of intersectionality, resilience, and healing through visual storytelling.
Toyé currently collaborates with the YMCA of NoDa in Charlotte, North Carolina, alongside the local chapter of NAMI, using art as a medium to share their mental health journey and foster dialogue within the community. In just one year, their outreach has made a notable impact across Spartanburg, Union, and Cherokee counties—particularly among youth and families.
One powerful example of Toyé’s influence came to light when a local parent shared how their child had been profoundly affected by Toyé’s message. This testimony reached the Chief Victim Advocate of the Special Victims Unit (SVU) at the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, prompting a new collaborative relationship between the SVU and C.A.F.E., the community-based program Toyé supports. Plans are now underway for Toyé to:
- Partner with C.A.F.E. to develop initiatives connecting SVU advocates with youth affected by violence.
- Present their mission and story directly to victim advocates and investigators.
- Help improve long-term outcomes for survivors by offering trauma-informed, arts-based support not previously available through traditional advocacy channels.
Through the FOCUS grant and their work with Spartanburg Area Mental Health, Toyé has continued to go beyond traditional peer support—accompanying individuals to appointments, participating in home visits, offering crisis support, and helping individuals navigate local mental health resources such as New Day Clubhouse and the Hope Center for Children.
Their mentorship has sparked real change. Toyé has helped young people transition from alternative schools to mainstream classrooms, remain safely in their homes after periods of frequent elopement, and build foundational life skills—budgeting, decision-making, job readiness, and self-advocacy. Most importantly, they’ve helped individuals rediscover a sense of purpose and possibility. Whether it’s securing a first job, reconnecting with family, or developing confidence, Toyé’s presence has become a catalyst for stability and growth.
As both an artist and advocate, Toyé Durrah continues to challenge expectations and elevate the power of creative healing. Their work serves as a reminder that recovery isn’t linear, and that change is possible—with support, expression, and community.
Youth Award Ryan Tuy
Ryan Tuy has been a consistent and impactful presence at the Be Kind to Your Mind mental health art exhibition. Through his thoughtful participation year after year, Ryan has used his art as a powerful medium to explore and express the complexities of mental health.
Known for his surrealistic imagery, Ryan’s work resonates deeply with both peers and attendees. His pieces have helped others put words to their own emotional experiences, often prompting meaningful conversations about mental health, vulnerability, and healing. His art doesn’t just reflect personal expression—it invites connection and understanding.
Ryan’s involvement in Be Kind to Your Mind has extended beyond the gallery walls. He has attended events with friends and family, helping to spread awareness and build community. His commitment, creativity, and growing influence have not gone unnoticed—he’s a rising voice in the movement, and some have even begun to call him “a Bailie in the making.”
As Ryan continues to create, connect, and inspire, his art serves as a reminder of the important role that creativity plays in mental health advocacy.
Youth Award Jayla Smith
Jayla Smith, a student from Dorman High School, has been a dedicated and courageous participant in the Be Kind to Your Mind art exhibition. Year after year, she has shared deeply personal works that reflect her experience navigating the pressures of being a young woman in today’s world.
Her art is raw, honest, and unfiltered—offering viewers a glimpse into her inner world and the challenges she has faced. By choosing to express herself so openly, Jayla has helped create a space for others to feel seen, heard, and understood.
Beyond her artwork, Jayla has been a passionate supporter of the Be Kind to Your Mind event, showing up with enthusiasm and heart. Her presence and voice have become an important part of the exhibition’s impact and spirit.
With her bravery, artistic talent, and commitment to mental health advocacy, Jayla is emerging as a powerful force in the community—a female Bailie in the making.
Mercantile Award Sarai Duenas
Sarai Duenas is not just a student or an artist—she’s a bold young creator using fashion as a tool for self-expression, empowerment, and mental health advocacy. As the founder of Flat Rat, Sarai has built a brand that reflects both her personal journey and her desire to uplift others navigating their own mental health challenges.
With support from her father, Abe, Sarai launched Flat Rat as a deeply personal project rooted in lived experience. Together, they’ve faced struggles with ADHD, anxiety, and depression—and have seen those same challenges reflected in the lives of people they love. Rather than stay silent, Sarai chose to speak out through design. “ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, depression, autism, and memory loss are challenges many people face every day,” she explains. “Flat Rat is about owning those parts of yourself instead of hiding them.”
Flat Rat’s mantra—“Own it, don’t let it own you”—is stitched into every design, reminding wearers that it’s okay to feel flattened by life sometimes. What matters is how you get back up. Through playful, surreal characters and bold, vintage-inspired designs, Sarai turns everyday wearables into statements of pride, resilience, and individuality.
What sets Flat Rat apart is Sarai’s commitment to sustainability and hand-crafted artistry. She uses vintage, hand-operated chainstitch embroidery and traditional cobblery techniques to upcycle curated and customer-provided garments. From reviving dad’s old blazer to reworking flannels and sneakers, Sarai creates fashion that’s not only one-of-a-kind, but also deeply meaningful.
More than just a clothing line, Flat Rat is Sarai’s way of saying: You are not your diagnosis. You are your creativity, your courage, your style, and your story. And you deserve to feel good in your own skin—and your own clothes.
Sarai Duenas is turning personal struggle into public strength, one stitch at a time.