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Student recounts suicide attempt as commissioners proclaim Mental Health Awareness Month; county honors local scholarship winner
Summary
At the May 14 meeting the board proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month; a student spoke about a past suicide attempt and praised the YAP program’s role in reducing stigma. The board also recognized Ryan Makoacan, a Hope School District senior who received a $20,000 semiquincentennial scholarship.
A student told the Beaver County Board of Commissioners on May 14 that she attempted suicide at age 12 and credited school-based supports with helping her recovery as the board proclaimed May 2026 Mental Health Awareness and Acceptance Month.
"When I was 12, I tried to kill myself," the student said while accepting the proclamation on behalf of program participants. She praised the YAP program, saying it helped normalize talking about mental health so students could seek help without stigma: "...having YAP, it's like everyone attends and like everyone sees that mental health is normal. Like it's like your physical health." (Speaker label in the transcript: Student.)
Commissioners responded with expressions of support. One commissioner said the growth of youth mental-health programs "warms my heart," noting that the next generation is changing how mental health is discussed. The controller echoed that sentiment, praising the program and county partners for supporting students.
Separately, Director Calouri introduced Ryan Makoacan, a Hope School District senior who received a $20,000 semiquincentennial scholarship awarded May 14, 2026. Calouri said Ryan was one of 25 national scholarship winners from more than 1,800 submissions and invited the student to pose for photos after the meeting.
The meeting record shows no public opposition or contested votes related to mental-health proclamations or the scholarship recognition. The board moved and approved the proclamation and continued with routine administrative business.
