On Tuesday, September 12, HOPE Squad students from secondary schools across the Okaloosa County School District gathered at the Fort Walton Beach Fair Grounds for their Annual HOPE Squad District Conference.
"I am incredibly grateful to be able to implement Hope Squad, a suicide prevention and awareness program, in all of our schools because we know the training has already saved the lives of our students. It empowers students to help their peers find support at a time when they need it most. It teaches our Hope Squad members to encourage those who are struggling to talk with a trusted adult at school who in turn gets the students the necessary support they need, in partnership with the parents" said Superintendent of Okaloosa Schools, Marcus Chambers.
Students had the opportunity to go through QPR Training (Question, Persuade, Refer), which is considered a Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training, to educate our HOPE Squad members on practical techniques to help their peers connect with help. It does not teach students to, nor do we expect them to be able to counsel their peers. Our Mental Health Providers are there for that and they attended and helped the students role-play scenarios, practicing the skills they learned from the training.
Schools also shared projects they did last year to help spread awareness of HOPE Squad at their schools while sharing hope and positive messages. Thank you to United for a Good Cause, Ms. Peggy Brockman, our Student Services Department, especially Teri Schroeder, HOPE Squad sponsors and members for making this event possible, and Choctawhatchee High School for hosting the event!