Deer Lakes High School’s Hope Squad and Stand Together students joined forces to host an end-of-year celebration that focused on mental and physical wellness.

Hope Squad is a youth suicide prevention program comprised of about 20 high school students. Students who are selected to be in Hope Squad must have permission from their parents or guardians to undergo training with advisor Darrian Difatta, a teacher in the high school, to be aware of warning signs and to act when someone is struggling by referring them to an administrator, counselor or another mental health professional at Deer Lakes. Hope Squad students aim to show empathy for their peers and to reduce the stigma of mental illness and seeking help.

Stand Together students collaboratively create events throughout the school year to engage the middle school student body in positive ways. Their goals include engaging and educating peers about mental health and encouraging peers to communicate with an adult they trust when they are concerned about their own or someone else’s behavioral health. The students also hope to increase social inclusion, promote individual empowerment, and to take action against stigmas related to mental health and substance abuse disorders.