Who They Are
Hope Squad is an organization that operates in various schools to support at-risk students and provide the resources they need. The main focus of Hope Squad is suicide prevention, a growing issue among teens in the United States. It’s estimated that teen suicide claims the lives of around 100,000 young people each year. Many teens struggle with this issue because they either don’t have access to or are afraid to reach out for the help they need. This is where Hope Squad steps in.
Hope Squad is run by a peer-selected team of students, with the guidance of a supervisor or trained adult, to whom students can turn for support. If a student is struggling, they can approach a Hope Squad member and, with consent, be referred to a supervisor or trained adult for further assistance. If the student chooses to talk to an adult, a Hope Squad member may remain with them upon request, offering additional support during the process.
What They Do for Our Community
Hope Squad regularly holds events designed to support the personal well-being of students. Some events that have taken place at our school include a tailgate party, “High-Five for Candy,” and “First Friday,” which is a monthly event where games are held during both lunches on the first Friday of every month. These events help strengthen our community while also providing a fun, positive experience.
Emery Miller-Rocha, the tenth-grade representative, explains, “Hope Squad strengthens the community by involving people from all walks of life and interacting with the community in a positive way.”
There are even more upcoming events, such as Hope Week in December. While these events may not occur all the time, Hope Squad is always doing something for students and teachers to enjoy. For example, during one event, they distributed sticky notes during lunch, encouraging students to write positive messages. These notes were then placed on a wall in the first building, allowing students and teachers to take notes to pass along to others.
More About the Team
There are about 30 active Hope Squad members at our school. Hope Squad is now a class where members plan future events and learn strategies for promoting mental health and well-being. Being part of this group offers personal growth, as President Kylee Siegmund reflects: “There are loads of self-reflection and self-care activities that we do in class that help me understand myself better, and it’s helped me grow.”
Advisor
Ms. Mitchell is the main advisor for Hope Squad and helps guide the members in their efforts to make a positive impact on our campus. She has some specific goals for the group: “To create connections and cause positive influence on the PVHS campus, to promote personal growth, and to help members gain confidence and feel empowered.”
When talking about what members think of Hope Squad, Ms. Mitchell shares some advice for students who may be struggling: “You are not alone! It may feel that way, but people who have big problems and can’t find a solution often think suicide is the only answer. Talk to someone because discussing the problem can help you find other solutions. Talk to a trusted adult if the problem feels overwhelming. Don’t give up on yourself, ever.”
What to do!
Hope Squad is an amazing part of our community, and we should appreciate their efforts more. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Hope Squad member or advisor for help.
