Catskill High School Yellow Ribbon team members headed to the NYS Capitol on April 9 to participate in the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention Advocacy Day. While at the Capitol, the students met with senator George Amedore and assemblyman Chris Tague to advocate for state policy changes that would improve mental health and help prevent suicide.
Along with advocacy efforts, the 23 students on Catskill’s Yellow Ribbon team work to increase awareness of the risk factors of suicide at conferences and by hosting training sessions for their fellow students in grades 6-12. Assemblyman Tague was impressed with our students’ efforts and penciled in a visit to Catskill to see their program in action.
On April 11, Assemblyman Tague dropped by Catskill Middle School to observe the Yellow Ribbon team as they hosted their annual suicide prevention training for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders (they hosted similar training for grades 9-12 in December). During the event, the Yellow Ribbon team showed the middle schoolers how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, connect themselves or others with the resources and help that are available, and reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health issues. As part of his visit, Assemblyman Tague honored our Yellow Ribbon team for their efforts by presenting them with a Certificate of Merit from the NYS Assembly.
Pictured left to right are Kendall Pederson, Izabella Marchesani, Anna Smith, Regina Johnson, advisor Colleen Clancy, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ronel Cook, Willow Morehead, Samantha Weber, Assemblyman Chris Tague, Rachel Reed, Kaitlyn Knapp, Gage Scheir, Samone Ivery, Briana Gersbeck, Emily Kirch, and faculty supporter Stacy Collier.