Hope Squad delivers sweet afternoon

SIDNEY -- A select group of students were busy bringing hope to West Elementary School students Thursday.

The West Elementary Hope Squad, is a program designed to combat suicide in school-age children. It is a select number of student volunteers with adult peers. The adults 

Thursday's event had students on the Hope Squad making root beer floats for West Elementary students. Some students named the drinks "Hope floats."

Several students talked about being trustworthy and available for other students who needed someone to talk with. 

Students are considered for the Hope Squad by a student survey. The results of the surveys are reviewed by the Hope Squad Advisers. 

"We look at the top tier of vote-fetters and look for a good mix of students who would be representative of all the students in the school, taking into consideration their grade level, friend groups and their activities," said West Elementary counselor Carla Bauer.

Advisers also meet with parents of potential Hope Squad members to gain more input on their student child. Then the student is interviewed to see if he or she would like to be on Hope Squad. 

This is the first year for Hope Squad in Sidney Public Schools. The program started with support from Panhandle Public Health.

The goal of Hope Squad is to "prevent suicide through public awareness and education, reduce stigma and serve as a resource to those touched by suicide."

The mission of Hope Squad is to reduce youth suicide through peer intervention, education and training.