On the morning of April 20th, Lower Moreland and Bryn Athyn community members gathered at the new high school united by a common goal—to shine a light on suicide prevention and mental health awareness through the annual “Out of the Darkness” walk hosted by AFSP, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Meticulous planning and coordination by the Lower Moreland Interact Club Heads, Maribela Zoeiro, Anna Akhobadze, Jessie Becker, Amanda Usonis, and Ellie Rubin, ensured this would be a well-organized and impactful event. Support from local businesses such as Giant and donations from high school clubs and sports were also helpful in achieving this goal.
The event began with a speech from an organization that supports firearm safety, followed by a poem read by Mia Dubin. Lastly, a mother who lost her son shared her personal experience with suicide through a heartfelt speech, echoing the importance of community support. Choir members Alyssa Gottesman and Eden George also sang “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers.
The 20th was a day for many to recognize those they’ve lost and support those who struggle. The event not only raised funds, but also awareness, fostering a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their stories and seeking help. The total raised from the event was $5,668 for AFSP.
For those inspired to help with this event next year, you can join the Interact Club. The code for the Google Classroom is eplwkm. Together, we can make a difference, one step at a time.
