Stepping up for mental health

Nhat Anh Duong Ho and Anna-Mariia Dmytryshyn walk side by side in the sun.

BY AMYAH GONZALEZ

Student Life Editor

On September 8 and 9, the Hope Squad launched the year with the second annual Hope Walk. Students walked around Geick Park during gym class.

The Hope Walk marks the first event for Hope Squad for the 2026-27 year. “The Hope Walk allows students to know more about Hope Squad,” said senior Isabella Diaz. “We do this right after the greeting tables on the first and second day, and these events allow students to know about Hope Squad members and its cause.”

The whole student body joined together to support the cause of Suicide Prevention. “Students from all different backgrounds and that have different personalities were united for this one cause,” said Diaz.

Jahsane Simon and Muskaane Raja walk side by side on the turf.

The United States observes Suicide Prevention month every September to reduce the stigma around mental health and spread awareness. “This event is so important to Hope Squad because it really emphasizes how important suicide prevention and mental health are,” said sophomore Jamie Kopitskie. “It shows others how much it matters; it allows them to understand it themselves and continue to support it.”

During the walk, DJ Torok played dance music to make the event fun for everyone. “The end was my favorite part because I got to dance,” said sophomore Korla Amporful. “It was just fun to dance with my friends and laugh with them.”

Jeel Shah laughs at something Emily Gegelia says.

Students appreciated that the event provided a chance to take advantage of the sunny weather. “My favorite part was just being able to enjoy the nice weather outside, while knowing it’s for a good cause,” said Kopitskie.

The Hope Squad prioritizes Mental Health with events throughout the year. “It is very important to keep spreading awareness of suicide prevention so that no student or staff member ever feels alone in their journey; at OBHS, we are all UKnighted,” said Hope Squad member, Emma Fanetti.

Felix Montero-Ruggiero speaks to Chingiz Saydiloev on the Geick Park soccer field.
Sidney Sambula and Victoria Bove laugh together as they walk.
Gabriel Colmenares Ferreira and Simon Tucker walk around the Geick Park field together.