“HOPE Week” at Crestview High School

Crestview High School recently concluded its⁣ annual “HOPE ‌Week,” an initiative aimed at promoting mental and ⁢creating a supportive habitat for students. The week was filled ‌with various activities designed to spread joy, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and foster a sense of community among students.

Key activities ‌included:
– Displaying banners with handprints, symbolizing a pledge to help others struggling with mental health issues.
– Distributing buttons with positive affirmations.
– Setting up a photo⁤ wall where students could share their experiences and messages of ‍hope.

Mental health counselor Stacy Burlison highlighted⁢ the importance of ⁣these activities, stating, “They’re talking to their peers about mental health. They’re advocating for ‍positive affirmations, journaling, and coping skills, and they’re modeling that. And it’s just⁤ not a taboo subject anymore.It’s something we ‍talk about now.”

student participant Asher ⁣expressed the impact of the week, saying, “It’s just like a beautiful ⁢thing ’cause we’re all able to get together and just to share hope and happiness with all of our peers and say, ‘you are not alone this week.'”

The counselor, Burlison, added, “Growing ​up can be hard, and knowing that other people are walking with you, and some​ of the⁤ same paths, and some of the⁢ same struggles. I mean, it just ‍kind of makes this a ⁢family here.”

The HOPE Squad works ‍year-round, and even after “HOPE Week,” their efforts continue. They are already planning for⁣ next year’s event. While HOPE Squads in ​middle ​and high schools focus on suicide prevention, the program also exists at the elementary level, where it emphasizes kindness and friendship.

Promoting Hope ​and Wellbeing: inside Crestview High School’s “HOPE Week”

Crestview High School recently concluded its⁢ annual “HOPE Week,”⁣ a week-long initiative dedicated to ‍promoting mental health‌ and building a supportive community among its students. This year’s events included ​engaging activities aimed at‍ reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and fostering a sense of belonging. We sat down with Stacy Burlison, mental health counselor at Crestview High⁤ School, to learn more​ about the impact of HOPE Week.

Senior⁢ Editor:‍ Stacy, thanks‍ for taking the time to speak with us today. Could you tell us more about “HOPE Week” and its purpose?

Stacy ⁢Burlison: ‍Certainly! “HOPE Week”⁢ is ⁣designed⁢ to prioritize student wellbeing.‌ It’s a dedicated ‌week filled with activities aimed at reducing stigma around mental⁤ health, encouraging open conversations, and building a stronger, more supportive school ⁤community. It’s truly a testament to‌ our ⁤commitment to ensuring every student feels​ valued,⁣ understood, and empowered.

Senior Editor: Could you describe some ⁣of the impactful activities that took place during this ⁣year’s “HOPE Week”? ‌

Stacy Burlison: This year, ‌we focused on creating tangible experiences that ⁢fostered connection and self-expression. We had banners displayed throughout the school showcasing students’ handprints,symbolizing their pledge to support each other’s mental‌ wellbeing. ⁣We distributed buttons adorned with positive affirmations, encouraging students to spread ⁤messages⁤ of kindness and ⁤encouragement.⁣ Perhaps the most ⁢heartwarming aspect was the ‌photo wall. Students could share their stories, experiences, or simply messages of hope. It became a gorgeous tapestry of vulnerability, strength, and solidarity.

Senior Editor: You mentioned that reducing stigma is a central goal of HOPE Week. Why is addressing ⁤this stigma so crucial?

Stacy Burlison: Stigma creates barriers ⁣to seeking ‌help and talking ‍openly about mental health. By openly discussing mental health, advocating for positive affirmations, journaling, and​ sharing coping strategies, we normalize conversations and encourage‍ students to ⁢reach out for support without fear or shame. When students see peers discussing their struggles openly, they ⁤realize they’re not alone. ​ “HOPE Week” empowers them to⁢ feel agreeable seeking help and understanding their ‌emotions.

Senior Editor: What kind of feedback have you received from students regarding their experience during⁣ “HOPE Week”?

Stacy Burlison: The feedback ​has been incredibly heartwarming. Many students expressed feeling seen, heard, and supported. They ‍shared stories about how⁣ HOPE Week provided them⁤ with tools ​to cope, connections with peers,⁣ and a sense of belonging.​ Asher, one student, shared that HOPE Week was a “beautiful thing” as⁢ everyone ​was coming together, sharing hope and​ happiness, reminding everyone they’re not alone.

Senior Editor: Clearly, “HOPE Week” leaves a⁤ lasting impact. Are the efforts of HOPE ​Squad ‍members confined ⁤to this specific week,or are their efforts ongoing ​throughout the year?

Stacy burlison: Absolutely! HOPE Squad members are dedicated to fostering positive mental health practices throughout the year. Even as “HOPE Week” concludes, ⁣their efforts continue. They’re actively planning for next year’s event, ensuring we continue building ⁢a supportive⁣ school climate. ⁢The HOPE Squads ⁢exist at middle ​schools, high schools, and even elementary schools. While high school HOPE Squads primarily focus⁤ on suicide prevention,younger squads emphasize kindness,friendship,and creating⁤ a culture of ​empathy. This ⁤ensures our efforts to nurture mental wellbeing span all age groups within our community.

Senior Editor: Thank you, Stacy, ‍for shedding light on this crucial ‌initiative. It’s inspiring to witness the dedication of Crestview High School in fostering a supportive and caring habitat for their students. “HOPE Week” serves​ as a powerful reminder ⁤of the importance of mental wellbeing and the positive impact that collective effort can have in creating ‍a thriving community.