The high School’s Hope Squad recently asked students what they are thankful for. Many wrote down their answers while others took pictures with friends they are thankful for!

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.