The High School Stand Together student organization recently organized an educational event during a Boys Basketball game, in which students were asked to "Black Out the Stigma."

Prior to the game, sophomores Katrina Beiber and Kelsey Dineff addressed nearly 800 people in attendance about the importance of taking action against stigmas related to mental health and substance abuse disorders.

Several members of Stand Together, who were outside of the gymnasium, also presented information against stigmas related to mental health and substance abuse disorders by asking participating attendees true or false questions and discussing the answers with them. Game attendees who chose to participate were invited to enter their name to be randomly drawn for a chance to win a $50 gift card.

In connection with and in support of Stand Together's efforts, the student section wore all black.

Deer Lakes Stand Together students will continue to collaboratively create events throughout the school year to engage the 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.