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Blendon Middle School introduces Hope Squad

Blendon Middle School formally introduced Hope Squad to the entire study body on Thursday, Oct. 10, the school district announced.

Advisors gave a special announcement in the morning to introduce the group and noted that all student leaders were wearing their Hope Squad shirts. They posted a billboard in the cafeteria that featured details about Hope Squad, its student leaders and the advisors.

“We are beyond excited to see Hope Squad begin to flourish in our middle schools, and are excited for the great work they are going to do this school year!” Westerville Education Challenge President Laura Hammer said in response.

“Wishing you all the best, Blendon Middle School Hope Squad!”

Hope Squad is a school-based, peer-led suicide prevention program which equips and empowers students to be the eyes and ears of a school as they watch out for youth in distress.

The need is real. Sadly, suicide is the leading cause of death for Ohio youth ages 10-14. Students are usually the first to know when another student is in crisis, but the majority do not reach out to an adult to report what they know.

The Hope Squad program is a supported initiative of the Westerville Education Challenge. The program was established in Westerville through a WEC-led initiative in 2021, and operates in all three Westerville City School District high schools.

This fall — again with the backing of Westerville Education Challenge — the program is extending to all five Westerville middle schools.

The powerful program focuses on three tenets:

  • Train — Train students, staff and the community how to recognize suicide warning signs and act on them to break the code of silence.
  • Build — Build positive relationships among peers to facilitate acceptance for seeking help.
  • Change — Change school cultures regarding suicide by reducing stigmas about suicide and mental health.

Visit hopesquad.com for more information about the national program.

PHOTO (ABOVE) AND ANNOUNCEMENT courtesy of the Westerville City School District/Charlie Boss.