Aevidum, a new student organization at Tyrone High School hopes to improve the school climate by raising awareness of issues of student concern.

Aevidum means “I’ve got your back.” The organization was founded by Joe Vulopas, a Lancaster County teacher after the suicide of a sophomore who was a student in his class.  Vulopus started the student group to rally students and raise awareness of the issues of depression and suicide.

The Aevidum movement has since spread to schools across the country and brnached out to issues beyond depression and suicide.

At Tyrone, the Aevidum club currently has 13 student members.  They represent many different groups within the school. The group is planning different activities throughout the year to raise awareness of issues in our school, while also focusing on positive things.

“I believe Aevidum is about creating a culture of kindness that permeates the classrooms and hallways of our school. It is about empowerment and hope and fun,” says guidance councelor Tifffany Johannides, the club’s adviser. Johannides is hoping the club will grow and make a positive impact on the school’s climate.

“To me, Aevidum means more than just giving people facts about suicide and depression,” said Junior Davina Lee, “I see Aevidum as a way to let others know that there are people that care about them and that they aren’t alone.”

Lee has been in Aevidum since its start and has watched the program grow considerably in just one year. It has inspired her to help her peers be more open and she is excited to see it grow.