Hope is Rising: Middletown High School Hope Squad Secures Two Grants for Mental Wellness!

Thanks to a $1,000 grant from bi3 and the Joe Burrow Foundation, in partnership with Interact for Health, Hope Squad will launch a special initiative for World Teen Mental Wellness Day on Sunday, March 2. To remind students that "Hope Floats—every day, not just today"—every Middletown High School student will receive a root beer float as a symbol of encouragement. This initiative underscores Hope Squad’s commitment to fostering a culture of mental well-being and support within the school.

In addition, Hope Squad has secured a $10,000 grant from Youth to Youth, funded by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (MHAS). These funds will be instrumental in supporting the 2025 Walk4Hope and other key events designed to bring students and community members together in a positive, supportive environment. The grant ensures that Hope Squad can continue providing free, impactful events that not only promote mental wellness but also offer valuable resources for those in need.

Hope Squad is a peer-nominated student group dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Members receive training to recognize signs of distress, provide support, and connect peers with trusted adults when necessary. By fostering awareness and reducing stigma, Hope Squad plays a vital role in creating a school culture where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to seek help.

These grants mark a major achievement for Middletown High School’s Hope Squad, reinforcing the importance of student-led mental health initiatives. With this funding, Hope Squad will continue its mission to spread hope, connection, and support throughout the school and the greater Middletown community. Congratulations to advisors Stephanie Cooper and Kayla Wandsnider on submitting these grants!