Students finding strength at the JVS

BLOOMINGDALE -- Students at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School are finding a connection -- with one another and with their school. And it has been made possible through one organization.

Sources of Strength is a global mental health and suicide prevention initiative. The JVS established an organization last spring, with juniors and seniors being nominated to serve as peer leaders by staff members. Peer leaders spread hope, strength and help, being trained to understand how to support teens facing physical, emotional and mental health issues and thoughts of suicide. The goal is to spread positivity and share available resources with those who are in need.

Members have created a bulletin board and set up a community table in the cafeteria. They are supporting the Sandy Hook promise of "Say Hello Week," and initiating ideas for the remainder of the school year. They have taken on projects such as a duct tape fundraiser and selling Christmas Candy Cane Grams, roses, suckers and boxed hearts on Valentine's Day.

Supervisor and Assistant Principal Gabrielle Wilson explained peer leaders are dedicated to leaving their mark of joy and belonging at the JVS.

"The program is about finding a way to focus on strength and joy and to spread your strength and joy to others so they can find their own," Wilson said. "Last year's group took a leadership role and did an emotional drive. The training brought out their struggles. This year's group has put their ideas into action."

She explained students paid $1 to duct tape special education aide Jamie Spencer to a wall. She said plans to hold a Color Bash miniature color run this spring are in the works.

Proceeds raised will fund future activities. Efforts have gained positive feedback from students and staff members.

Co-adviser Don Ogden, mental health counselor, stated students are getting an opportunity to get the support they need in trying times. "The Sources of Strength students have done a good job helping others make a connection," Ogden said. It reduces incidents of self-harm and suicide. The members have shown a lot of courage and compassion."

SoS officers include: Seth Bowman, president; Jason Nutter, vice president; Alexis Knight, secretary; and Brooke Scharfenberg, treasurer. Scharfenberg will serve in the role of president next year.

Membership has doubled since the organization was created. Its members include: Jessica Phillips, Faith Stewart, Matthew Barnes, Kevin Campos, Noah Crawford, Gabriella Diaz, Ella Fray, Ronald Hawthorne, Maggie Saho, Serenity Edwards, Blake Miller, Riley Stine, Katelynn Mavromatis, Madison Cost, Lexas Lashhorn and Lily Larkins. Plans have been made to recruit incoming juniors during the next month to carry on SoS's mission.

"The group is a collective of students that tries to encourage fun and positivity, as well as to connect people in companionship," said Bowman. "People have responded well very well and it seems like it's making many people happier."

Nutter agreed that it provides something positive for everyone. "People have fun and seem to enjoy it a lot," he commented. "They have more school spirit or feel connected to the school. I think the closer we work with the organization, the clearer the mission is to spread strength."

Additional ideas include a Rock, Paper, Scissors contest around St. Patrick's Day and an Eastertime egg hunt to win prizes, including Talon Tokens to earn goodies from the Transition to Work program's Soaring Eagle Café.