Within Nye County schools, Hope Squad is officially leaving and being replaced with another elective/program called Erika’s Lighthouse.
Hope Squad has been led by Amber Lugo, Pam Petersen, and Gina DeAngelis. Even though the class is student-led, these advisors hold important roles within the class structure. Lugo, the head advisor, claims that Hope Squad is an outstanding organization, but sometimes good things have to come to an end, especially with budgeting issues. She said, “However, with budget issues looming, it makes sense to transition to a similar platform that is at no cost for membership or curriculum.”
Although Lugo is very fond of Hope Squad, she is afraid she cannot commit to something quite yet because “The logistics for next year are not complete yet, so I cannot answer about my involvement yet.” She loves being there for Hope Squad, but she just isn’t entirely sure yet due to the school board not knowing if Erika’s Lighthouse will be an elective or a program. Lugo is a very busy teacher and coach, so whether or not it’s an elective or program decides if she will still be involved in this program next year.
Lugo claims, “Hope Squad was instrumental several times this year, helping students navigate help when having thoughts of self-harm. Additionally, I know being a part of this group was very healthy for our members who struggle with mental health issues.” Hope Squad was an essential class that brought together the community, and yes, there will be a sense of loss, but Lugo is sure that this new organization will reach more students and serve a broader mission.
One of Lugo’s fondest memories this year with her students was watching them shine, especially during the dress-up days, and even when they showed up to her volleyball game with a sign, cheering on her team.
Peterson also holds an important role in Hope Squad; she personally feels sad about Hope Squad coming to an end because it was such a great program for PVHS. She said, “I loved how student-driven it was; it offered strong youth involvement.” Peterson believes that enlightening such topics that focused on mental health and suicide prevention was extremely important for today’s youth.
No,matter what, next year, Peterson would love to be an advisor. She believes, “If we continue to have strong youth involvement, whatever program is used can be an added benefit for our school and students.”
Peterson has high expectations for next year’s program; she believes that if there is an opportunity for awareness and access, it doesn’t matter if this new organization is an elective or a program. Her one wish is, “I hope that the Hope Squad message will not die out but will be engrained within our current and past Hope Squad youth to carry it forward when an open opportunity presents itself.” Peterson is in hopes that this new program will continue the steps of Hope Squad and provide knowledge about mental health and suicide prevention.
One of her fondest memories was when the Hope Squad class went caroling at the residential home; she really saw unity amongst all of the students, and that made her extremely happy that they came together to interact with their community. It shows how passionate and kind the students were and how much they were involved with the Hope Squad message.
No matter what, the new program has the same intentions as the old one. This organization will have a wider selection of students and will also cost less money than the old program. Yes, it is sad to see Hope Squad leave, but hopefully Erika’s Lighthouse will share the same message. If you see anyone who was ever involved with Hope Squad, tell them thank you for everything they have done for the community, inside and outside school perimeters.
