Starting this month, the Mental Health Minute will include a monthly theme and challenge. The theme of September is centered around Hope. The idea for this theme is that students and Frenship Families will seek hope, even when things may appear to be hopeless.  

“A new school year brings new beginnings and opportunities on many fronts for FISD students and families which is a large part of the reason why we selected Hope as our theme for September,” said Sara King, Frenship High School Counselor. “Hope is feeling good things can happen by trusting things will work out for the best. Having Hope in not only the present, but also in the future, creates an environment where people can feel empowered to push through challenges and come out on the other side stronger and more resilient. In turn, positivity increases!” 

Frenship students are encouraged to think of three things that give them hope for this school year. They also were asked to think of one way they could help give hope to someone else. The family challenge is to think of ways that you can give hope to people in your neighborhood and how you can bring a little light to someone else’s life. 

Alison Abston is a member of the Frenship High School Hope Squad, an organization of students trained to recognize and help peers in distress who might be at risk of suicide. When Abston reflected on the challenge for the September Mental Health Minute she found that her community, her faith, and her involvement in the Hope Squad are the three things that give her hope for this school year.  

“First would be my friends and family who help me to stay positive and excited for the year. Next would be my faith in God, who helps me to know there is a bigger plan for my life. The last thing that gives me hope is my work in Hope Squad, because it helps me to know how to handle my struggles and how to find hope in my life,” said Abston. 

The Frenship Hope Squad is one of the many organizations students can join in middle school and high school, but the impact that the organization has on students is incredibly impactful. King shares that the Hope Squad at Frenship High School builds on emotional intelligence to recognize areas where their peers may be struggling with their mental health. 

“Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program whose primary mission is to share hope, build a supportive community, and inspire a culture of empowerment within Frenship High School,” said King. “Hope Squad's members are nominated by their classmates because they demonstrate concern for others, are good listeners, and are trustworthy friends. Hope Squad members are trained by advisors to learn peer intervention strategies to break the silence surrounding mental health. In no way are Hope Squad members responsible for another student's mental health; Hope Squad members are trained to seek out trusted adults during times of crisis.” 

Abston has enjoyed being a part of the Hope Squad and loves what the organization stands for.  

“After getting nominated in 9th grade, as well as looking more into what the club stands for, I wanted to get involved to help the community and kids struggling with mental health,” said Abston. “I love being able to talk about the importance of mental health as well as how to help our community. I believe that the Hope Squad has the opportunity to help the mental health in our student and school community if we embrace the importance of asking for help and loving those who do ask for help.” 

King believes it is important for students and families to recognize areas of hope for this school year. 

“This week's Hope quote came from Catherine Pulsifer who said, ‘Never give up. Have hope. Expect only the best from life and take action to get it.’  To me, this quote reads like a short to-do list and is appropriate to remember at any age or stage of life to be aware of times when you feel hopeless. Students, without hope, circumstances can feel impossible and overwhelming, but holding on to hope when life feels dark only leads you back to light and the belief things will turn a corner for the better,” said King.  

King wants to encourage those who might be struggling with hope to be bold and tell someone. She believes that stepping out in boldness will open doors for trusted peers and adults to help and provide resources.  

“First, tell someone and, second, seek out community. Hope can feel far off when you feel alone during dark times,” said King. “By sharing your story with a trusted peer or adult, you can find encouragement and resources to help you overcome darkness.” 

Counselors are available on each Frenship campus and have many resources for our Frenship families' unique needs.  Please contact your campus counselor or visit the Frenship Counseling Service webpage if you need assistance.