Tyrone Class of 2013 alum Hayden Zook recently visited the Eagle Eye podcast studio to discuss the issue of mental health and suicide prevention. 

Hayden is a founder of the Adam Zook Memorial Fund, which was established in 2020 in honor of his younger brother, Adam, who tragically took his own life in 2019 before his senior year at Slippery Rock University. 

Adam was a loving soul who inspired many people and made a positive mark on the world. 

During his time at Tyrone Area High School, Adam was a standout cross country and track and field athlete, a top student, the editor-in-chief of the Eagle Eye, a member of the concert choir, and performed in several school musicals.

“Adam was an awesome person. We had a pretty close relationship, especially as we grew older. He was just a people person,” Zook said. 

Hayden described his brother as a “people person” who was always looking out for others, which made the impact of his death on his family, friends, and the Tyrone community so much of a shock. But it also highlights the fact that depression and suicide can affect anyone, regardless of their accomplishments or outside appearance. 

Hayden encourages everyone to be proactive in supporting their loved ones and normalizing conversations about mental health, and emphasizes the importance of frequent check-ins and being present for loved ones.

“Students and teachers need to be more intentional about checking in on people. A simple setting a reminder on your phone to reach out to family members or friends regularly would help,” Zook said. 

To help raise awareness and give back to the community that supported them, Hayden and many others in the community who knew and loved Adam established the Adam Zook Memorial Fund in 2020 to fund scholarships and support local suicide prevention in the Tyrone Area High School and the surrounding community.

The organization hosts events like an annual veterans’ breakfast, the Adam Zook Memorial Run, and the Cruise-In Car Show to raise money and awareness for mental health. 

“Everyone has given us support and encouragement. They just come out and participate. And they want to help. They want to make a difference,” Zook said. 

Students who have a trusted adult are encouraged to reach out for help and establish support networks to enhance their mental health or share their struggles with trusted individuals, such as family members, friends, or professionals.

Hayden, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, advises that students should engage in self-care activities, hobbies, and support groups to improve their mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling and needs help, support systems are available at the school, including the guidance office and the AEVIDUM club.

While the sadness of losing his little brother will never go away, the success of the Adam Zook Fund and all the positive things it has done for the community have helped turn the tragedy into something meaningful. 

“Thankfully, through time, we’ve been able to honor his memory, honor his legacy, his life, and really try to make a horrible situation into something positive, into something good, to help others,” Zook said.