The Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer support program for suicide prevention for middle schoolers as well as high schoolers. The goal of the Hope Squad is for anyone struggling to reach out to a friend or family member who doesn’t quite understand how they are feeling. The Hope Squad helps connect them to the proper resources and helps show them that their problems matter how big or small they are.
There are 5 staff members and 12 students here at Pahrump Valley High School, who are available to talk anytime someone feels the need to. This program is starting to do Hope Week at school; they also have monthly themes for increasing awareness around the school.
One of the staff members of the Hope Squad is Devin Petersen. He joined the Hope Squad because the subject is close to the chest for him as well as his family since they have been through it before. Many kids and teenagers feel comfortable talking to Mr. Devin because he shows everyone that their feelings matter regardless of how big or small they are. He’s very comfortable talking to people about their thoughts and actions when it comes to suicide because he’s a very caring person and he also makes other people feel safe talking to him. When a kid or teenager comes to Mr. Devin, he lets kids know that their problems matter and offers advice he feels they will connect to and understand. Typically most counselors tell your guardian but Mr. Devin stated “ No not at all; unless it’s something that needs to be discussed with a parent guardian.”
Another member of the Hope Squad is freshman Sadie Freeman, She joined the Hope Squad to help her peers and be there if someone wants to talk. She does struggle talking to most people but the group makes her feel comfortable. Freeman never knew about the Hope Squad until they gave her a postcard in class; that’s when she decided to join the group. “If someone came up to me to speak about themselves I would make sure they’re okay, see what’s going on, and if they feel comfortable speaking to me privately so it’s between us.” If the students were telling Freeman they think they are suicidal, she would see if they are comfortable talking to a trusted adult, and if she can help take the student there.
Most Hope Squad conversations can be serious and not considered joking. Everyone’s feelings are important and the Hope Squad is there to help you realize that. Even though there are more students than staff members you can talk to whoever you feel comfortable talking to, such as friends or the Hope Squad. If you were to feel uncomfortable talking to a staff member or student, people are encouraged to talk to a trusted adult at home or school. When students are feeling suicidal or having bad thoughts they should talk to an adult rather than keeping it to themselves and going through the worst. Kids and teenagers should never bottle up their feelings at any age because it doesn’t get better while growing up.
No matter who you are if you ever feel suicidal or you have bad thoughts talk to a trusted adult or the Hope Squad. If you have any questions you are more than welcome to reach out to Mr. Devin or Ms. Mitchell.
