The Youth Empowerment and Sustainability Skills (YESS) students at Pine Bush High School were spreading the word as they hosted Say Something week, a partnership with Sandy Hook Promise.

 

The YESS students set up reminders throughout the school for students to speak up and say something if they notice warning signs and threats from individuals who may want to cause harm to either themselves or others. Having a trusted adult is key – someone they can talk to and confide in. That is the mission of Say Something.

Students planned activities throughout the week, including signing the large Say Something banner, promising to be honest about their gut feelings if they believe someone is in trouble. YESS students created flyers and students designated who their trusted adult would be and why. The YESS students then gave the flyers to the designated adults. Students wore green to honor those who were lost in the mass shooting in December 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Green and white are the school colors at Sandy Hook. 

 

There was also face painting during lunch periods which brought many students over to learn more about Say Something. Students had a great time posing for social media posts as well!

Say Something Week raises awareness about potential violence, suicide and threats. Eighty percent of school shooters told someone of their violent plan prior to the event. This week encourages those who know or suspect something to step forward and say something, saving lives in the process.

The YESS students are empowering their fellow students to Say Something and save lives! Say Something was a big success!