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Students introduce HOPE Squad peer‑support program to Exeter coop board
Summary
Exeter High School students presented HOPE Squad, a new peer‑support suicide‑prevention program; they said advisers were trained with a $1,000 safe‑schools grant and outlined outreach plans including Hope Week and visible identifiers so students can seek peer support.
Two Exeter High School students presented the newly implemented HOPE Squad peer‑support program during the board’s public input period, describing training, outreach and plans to reduce stigma around mental health.
Ava Siegel and Molly Rickio, cofounders and co‑presidents of the club, told the board they attended a Safe Schools conference and applied for an essay/video contest grant that provided $1,000 to pay for adviser training. “We are a peer support program that is aimed at preventing suicide and raising awareness for mental health here at Exeter High School,” one presenter said, explaining that the program trains student volunteers to identify peers in crisis and connect them to adults and resources.
Students outlined planned outreach including T‑shirts and pins to help peers recognize HOPE Squad members, hallway flyers, an Instagram account used only to share resource links (not to accept direct messages), and a proposed Hope Week of activities before April vacation. The presenters emphasized the program’s focus on peer‑to‑peer connection: they said many students are aware of resources but lack informal, trusted peer contacts who can bridge to adults.
Board members praised the initiative. The superintendent said the district allocated some resources for the week in April and suggested Title IV (school safety) funds or the operating budget could support continuing activities. A board member added that the district is willing to provide space and other support as requested.
What’s next: The board asked the league of advisers and students to return with any resource requests; the district indicated it will continue to support HOPE Squad and monitor needs as the club grows.
