The energy at Eldred Junior-Senior High School feels a little different. The school just finished its very first Hope Week, a special event focused on kindness, mental health, and looking out for one another.
The journey started on Thursday, February 5th, with a powerful assembly called “Breaking the Cycle.” Speakers visited the gym to talk to students about the power of forgiveness. Instead of a boring speech, they shared real, honest stories about overcoming incredibly hard times and pain. Their message was simple: when we choose to forgive instead of getting even, we stop the cycle of hurt and bullying.
"Starting our first Hope Week with this assembly was so important," said Michael Conklin, Principal at Eldred JSHS. "It showed our students that letting go of anger isn't being weak—it’s actually a sign of great strength. It reminds us that we can’t always control what happens to us, but we can control how we treat others afterward."
Following that big kickoff, the next week was all about the theme: "Share the Hope, Save a Life." This wasn't just a catchy phrase; it was a call to action. The goal of the week was to show students that a simple act of kindness or checking in on a friend can make a huge difference.
A huge part of this mission is the school’s new Hope Squad. Thanks to a grant from Sullivan 180, Eldred JSHS now has a full team of students who are specially trained to look for warning signs in their peers. These students are "hope experts" who are ready to listen and support any classmate who might be struggling.
The week was full of ways to de-stress and connect. On Friday, February 13th, students took a break from the usual routine to focus on their well-being. Activities throughout the day included:
Relaxation: Yoga, meditation, and coloring.
Hands-on Fun: Making stress balls and trying out healthy recipes.
Connection: Playing board games and watching a movie together.
By the end of the week, the mission was clear: at Eldred, no one has to struggle alone. While the banners might be coming down, the lessons about forgiveness and "sharing the hope" are here to stay.
Eldred JSHS is proud of the Hope Squad and every student who stepped up to make this first annual event a success. We are already looking forward to keeping this spirit alive all year long.
