As part of Suicide Prevention Month, Summers County Comprehensive High School’s Student Support Team (which includes the ESMH Coordinator) created a powerful visual display outside Student Services called the “Reasons to Stay” board. This board serves as a daily reminder of hope and resilience for students and staff alike.
Throughout the month, students are invited to add their own personal reasons to stay—whether it’s family, friends, goals, hobbies, or dreams for the future. These notes build a collective wall of encouragement, showing that everyone has something meaningful worth holding on to. Some examples include:
- I have a future to look forward to and goals to have a family.
- I love my dad and he loves me and there’s no reason to go because you have people that love you.
- Jesus loves me.
- My cats and my friends.
- School!
- My family, friends, boyfriend, and dog.
- I enjoy going to school.
To strengthen the impact, the school’s weekly announcements not only share prevention messages and coping skills, but also include a featured “reason to stay” each week. By weaving these messages into daily routines, students are reminded that small reminders of hope can make a big difference.
The board continues to grow with contributions from the school community, symbolizing that no one is alone and that together, SCCH stands for connection, support, and life.