STRONGER
BY MADELINE TERRY
SOURCES OF STRENGTH RETURNS TO UPPER CAMPUSES
After the past year of success , the suicide prevention program Sources of Strength , or SOS , has returned for the second year to BJH and BHS students . This year , BJH plans to continue the program for their students , and has already initialized the first steps . Their first assembly was Sept . 21 , where a few leaders from the program spoke to students about new ideas for what
SOS students play a team building game they can at the start of their meeting . do .
“ Sources of Strength is a great way to encourage communication between the student and staff ,” BJH counselor Karen McHam said . “ Last year we had a great outcome of the program , and we saw an effect on tons of our students .”
SOS focuses on bringing students together and finding strength through hard times . The program was especially encouraged at the Junior high level because students are introduced into hard changes and adult situations .
“ I think of SOS as a huge network where kids can go to each other for support then be able to take it to a trusted adult ,” BJH counselor Karen McHam said . “ We want our campus to be able to spread positivity and for everyone to know that we have those sources for students to use .”
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“ WE WANT OUR CAMPUS TO SPREAD
POSITIVITY .”
-KAREN MCHAM
Bertie Williams , Jorge Gutierrez , and Hayden Smith try to solve a string-puzzle together .
This school year , they plan to improve their past efforts and increase participation and positivity within the student body .
“ We really want more students and staff to be involved ,” McHam said . “ Last year we had a great result , so we want it to become an even bigger program for our students .
Last year , SOS had 30 kids nominated into the group . This year they hope to expand their
The Sources of Strength team members get together for a picture in front of their “ support system tree .”
sources and invite more students as well as their existing members .
To become a part of SOS , students are nominated by staff who feel they are a good fit for the program . They are especially asked to choose students who may be part of a certain group or activity .
“ The good thing about the program is that it invites a diverse group of students that highlights every area of the student body , ‘’ McHam said . “ This allows students from every club or activity to be able to spread their message . And we want everyone to be recognized at our campus .”
Sources of strength started this year by holding an assembly with a few SOS adults that help guide and give ideas to the students . Afterwards , the students were able to brainstorm and choose their goals for the year and plan out some activities .
“ It could be the same as last year , or students could choose new things they want to work on ,” McHam said . “ It really