And for that short time one morning, that was exactly what they were supposed to do.
Members of the high school’s new Hope Squad team said they saw exactly what they wanted to see that morning. “Everyone was just kind of interacting with others and just taking time to make connections,” said Hope Squad member Milo McCormick.
“It was important to me and a lot of the student body to do this,” said Lilian Rubert. “Mental struggles often go unnoticed and just get pushed aside. We want everyone to know they have a chance to be listened to and heard. It’s so important that people are watching out for others.”
TK’s Hope Squad, founded earlier this year, is made up of about 50 students from all grade levels in high school. Each of them was nominated by their peers for their kindness, approachability and trustworthiness. The groups’ goal is simply to help prevent mental health crises among their peers and make the high school an even more welcoming and safe place for all.
In addition to the breakfast and all the activities available to students, there were purple and green balloons decorating the hallways and cafeteria and signs of hope and caring everywhere.
“I think this was a really good idea,” said Callie Middleton. “I knew I wanted to be part of this group when they first started talking about it. Mental health matters and raising awareness helps everyone.”
Marissa Rowley said Tuesday’s morning break was a good way for students to really get back into the routine of school and work after the winter break.
Co-advisor Cary Saxton said Hope Squad is about promoting mental health awareness, but it’s different that other groups started before this year. “We have tried many versions of a mental health club in the past, but this is sustainable because it is student led and student driven,” she said.
“We have the passion and the drive and now we have the tools ready to make this program really work. It is a well-vetted program,” said Saxton.
Hope Squad co-advisor Tricia Rickert said the group members spent the first semester undergoing training on mental health and suicide awareness and the importance of notifying adults if there are concerns. They’ve also had discussions about how the group can help students build connections at school and Tuesday’s breakfast is their first official project.
“Today is all about not being isolated, making connections and even having fun,” said Saxton.
Looking around at the long lines waiting for turns at four-square or the cheering students on the sideline of a robust basketball game, or even the students grouped together sitting on the floor playing cards, it appeared the Hope Squad morning breakfast break did just what it was designed to do.
The breakfast is just the first of schoolwide activities and events. “We have subgroups organizing events/activities/opportunities to interact and educate students over the next few months leading up to Mental Health Awareness month in May,” said Rickert.
Rickert said it’s easy, especially in the winter months, to have feelings of isolation or seasonal depression and hopes this new group can help make all students have a sense of belonging and being connected.
Hope Squad is an evidence-based, peer-to-peer youth suicide prevention program dedicated to spreading hope and creating a school culture that promotes connectedness and inclusivity. Currently the program is serving more than 2,000 schools in the United States. It is dedicated to preventing suicide through public awareness and education, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and serving as a resource.
Hope Squad members do not take on the responsibilities of school counselors or other mental health professionals. Instead, members learn the skills needed to spot signs of suffering, intervene and refer peers to trusted adults.