Students step up for Brady’s Walk

Sara Bakst and Lyla Gonzalez paint decorative kind messages on rocks.

BY KATELYN BUCHALTER

In honor of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, over 200 Old Bridge residents and students gathered at Carl Sandburg Middle School for the first annual Brady’s Walk. The walk acted as a fundraiser and wellness fair to promote mental health services and support in remembrance of Brady Elbaum.

The events of last September shook many students and demonstrated the importance of mental health awareness. “I thought it would be a good opportunity to do something good for the community,” said Daniel Duran, who volunteered at the event. “When the incident happened, I had seen how Brady impacted our community and realized that we should give back to the community and come together.”

The organizers originally set a fundraising goal of $50,000, but with an outpouring of support, they raised over $60,000 and provided an opportunity for the community to unite. “I really loved the fact that everyone was able to come together and remember Brady, and it also reminded everyone that they are not alone in whatever struggles they are facing,” Julia Rowan commented.

Emilee Pitzel cleans brushes at the rock painting table.

With the event forced inside due to rain, student volunteers helped vendors set up in the gymnasium. “We volunteered to help grab boxes from vendors and set up their stands,” Daniel Duran stated. “Basically, we just helped set everything up before the event actually started.”

The event offered a place for students to continue advocating for mental health awareness and education. “I loved all the mental health booths that were showing awareness and giving many opportunities to young people who might need mental assistance of their own,” Margaret Conklin said.

Local vendors gathered at Brady’s Walk to share their goals and promote services for those in attendance. “I loved that every vendor there was different, and they were all very open to talking to you. You could tell they all wanted to help, and I loved that,” Duran stated.

Julie Ivan talks to other volunteers at the JROTC booth at Brady’s Walk.

The OBHS JROTC program contributed 30 student volunteers for the event. “I was a volunteer at the event,” JROTC cadet Janvee Patel voiced. “I was also the POC between the parents and the organization to get volunteers listed.”

Thanks to Patel’s communication with the organization, of which Brady had been a member, many JROTC students wanted to aid in volunteer work. “I was involved with the event through JROTC,” Julie Ivan expressed. “When I saw that JROTC was looking for volunteers to help at the walk, I knew I wanted to help!”

Brady’s Walk can serve as an annual reminder to remember and support those who are struggling. “Just the thought of helping someone who might be going through what Brady might have been going through makes me feel happy,” Patel conveyed.

Volunteers Olivia Lee, Alex Penn, and Caleb Santiago pose for a picture at Brady’s Walk.
Daniel Ferraro, Jake Babst, and Luke Babst talk while many people gather in the gym for the ceremony.
Brianna Sanzone paints Christian Leli’s face to look like spiderman while Nesty Dogbatse watches.
Volunteers and attendees sign a board for Brady’s Voice to honor Brady Elbaum.