This year, O’Gorman High School has been starting up numerous different clubs, one of which is the Hope Squad. The O’Gorman Hope Squad is an organization bringing awareness to mental health and prevention of suicide. They aim to provide resources and techniques for students who may be struggling. For example, the club recently acknowledged the national suicide prevention week from September 8-14. With different facts, themes, or activities each day, they worked to shift the schools attention to student mental health. “I think many O’Gorman students are under a lot of pressure during the school year and this stress can go unnoticed. Hope Squad is here to recognize that” says senior Julia Eggert.

In addition to Hope Squad, O’Gorman is beginning a chapter for Best Buddies International (BBI). Best Buddies is a global volunteer organization that looks to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In high schools, this organization pairs students with and without disabilities in order to create a more inclusive school environment. The first meeting was held on September 18. If you did not attend the meeting but you are looking to join the O’Gorman chapter for Best Buddies, there is a QR code on Classroom linked to the membership application. If you have any questions, they can be answered by Mrs. Kerkvliet, the club’s faculty advisor.