By Elea Layton

Hope Squad is a valued  part of many schools across the nation. Hope Squad was founded in 2004, to address mental health concerns, and help prevent the risk of suicide. 

Hope Squad has helped Fremont in tremendous ways. 

The founder of hope squad Dr. Greg Hundall said “it takes a village to raise a child, and an entire community to save one.”

According to the official Hope Squad website the purpose of Hope Squad is “To foster human connection, community, and hope.”  

Matt Hinds, the President and social media manager for Hope Squad said, “Basically our mission is to uplift others.” 

 “Elevating mental wellbeing through peer-to-peer suicide prevention programming,”Also stated by the website hopesquad.com is the approach Hope squad takes to help out all students in need. 

Mental health is talked about now more than ever, especially amongst teens. Having someone to talk to during such a confusing time in teens’ lives can be super beneficial.  

However, it can be very awkward to talk to adults at home or at school about feelings so that’s what Hope Squad is for. Many teens find it much easier to talk to peers/friends about mental struggles rather than parents or teachers that they fear might judge them or not believe them. 

According to the official Hope Squad website, “Hope Squad’s core values are to lead with vulnerability, embody a growth mindset, and lift where we stand.”

Matt Hinds, president of Fremont’s Hope Squad, adds to this note by saying, “Hope Squad to me is to bring others up with you. For me that kind of shows in “Food with Friends.” We bring in kids who are either new or people who we think could use an extra friend and we all uplift each other.”

Hope Squad strives to make high school a positive environment to be in, especially at Fremont.