PETERBOROUGH — On Saturday, April 24, ConVal Regional High School sophomores Callie Boisvert and Abbey Shumway organized a 5k run to raise awareness around mental illness and suicide.
Donations directly benefitting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention totaled $5,000.
All participants received yellow T-shirts, there was a great raffle thanks to donations from local businesses, and there was a bake sale with delicious treats. All participants received yellow T-shirts, local businesses donated for a raffle, and there was also a bake sale.
“I am so proud of Callie and Abbey for taking the initiative to plan the Break the Silence 5K for suicide awareness and prevention,” said principal Heather McKillop. “It is imperative that we create a safe space for students to engage in dialogue about mental health. I was fortunate to talk to students and families prior to the run, and was so impressed by all of the efforts many of our students did in advance to make this event such a success.”
Guest speaker Robbie Millward spoke about his own experience with suicide and friends and family who have had similar experiences.
Students made and hung motivational posters to encourage participants along the 3.1-mile running route.
“This was a well-organized event and a great opportunity to come together as a community,” said mathematics teacher Sarah Gilpatrick, who participated in the event.
“I hope this is the beginning of a long-lasting tradition in our ConVal community as we continue to make effort to eradicate the stigma associated with mental health for years to come,” McKillop said.
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