A new group dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues has been formed at Tyrone Area High School. The group is called called Aevidum, which means “I’ve got your back.” They will be hosting a high school assembly on May 6th.
Aevidum was founded by a school in Lancaster in 2004. The school had just lost one of their students to suicide. The teacher of the boy and a few students created Aevidum to help prevent this tragedy from happening to anyone else.
The main Aevidum group from Lancaster will be attending the assembly. There will be two main speakers at the assembly. Joe Vulopas, the teacher of the boy who committed suicide and also the sister of the boy will both address the students at Tyrone High School.
Their main focus is suicide prevention and expressing the fact that no one should be left behind. Aevidum is about empowerment, hope, and most importantly kindness. Aevidum is centered around awareness. Aevidum is being there for someone when no one else is. Aevidum has spread to schools all over Pennsylvania encouraging positive thinking.
The TAHS Aevidum group is holding a poem/song, and poster contest. The poem/song and poster will be judged by the TAHS Aevidum group. The winning poem/song and poster will be shown and performed in front of the school at the assembly.
The poem/song or poster must cover one of following topics: body image, self-harm, and substance abuse.
The winner of the poster and song contest will receive $50 each. The money will be in the form of a gift card for Sheetz or another restaurant, free tanning package that would be perfect for prom goers.
Poems/songs and posters should be submitted to Mrs. Johannides, high school guidance counselor.
The TAHS Aevidum is headed by Mrs. Johannides and Mr. Cammarata. The current student body consists of Olivia Morrison, Alyssa Parker, Karah Postreich, Jared Muir, Cameron Bakhsheshe, MJ Hunt, Kaitland Lynch, Jack Makdad, Davina Lee, Mary Beth Raabe, and I.
The Aevidum group is not here for counseling but here to help those who need help get it. Helping people get the professional help they need. Those who need immediate help can call the National Helpline at 1-800-273-8255.
