Growing up as a young adult during any time period can prove difficult for a multitude of reasons. Students attending both William Thomas Middle School and American Falls High School all face the same challenges any other student is challenged with today.
To help curb the overwhelming situations young adults face, the Sources of Strength organization has been introduced into the American Falls School District.
Joni Pitcher, the counselor at American Falls High School, received a grant in 2019 from the Idaho Lives Project for Sources of Strength, that included suicide prevention/intervention and training for staff.
“I was impressed with Sources because the focus is meant to teach, and incorporate positive coping skills into our culture. We want to influence helpful seeking strategies and with Sources we can improve social norms about suicide by incorporating these techniques,” Pitcher explained. “If Sources can help students regulate emotions, lessen depressive symptoms, and overall reduce suicide attempts, it was without a doubt, what we would want to bring to our community and schools.”
One element of the program is trusted adults and peers who know and recognize how to help in certain situations.
“It warms my heart when a youth shares that their trusted adult is their ‘mom, dad, aunt, uncle, grandma, grandpa, etc.’ But to enhance that one thing in their life within their school and community is profound,” Pitcher continued. “Connectedness to adults is a message we want all our youth to hold.”
The main purposes of the organization are healthy activities, generosity, spirituality/gratitude, medical access, mental health, family support, positive friends, and mentors.
“Together we pull our personal and collective leadership qualities and social influences to lead cultural change and connectivity. Students who are peer leaders can add this to their college applications, resumes etc.,” said Pitcher. “Universities are incorporating Sources of Strength on their campuses.”
American Falls High School senior Olivia Thaxton has been in Sources since her junior year.
When asked why it's important to her to be in Sources, Olivia said, "It is important for me to be in Sources of Strength because I have recently found out that I am many students' ‘safe person’ and that means a lot to me."
While being a member of Sources, Olivia had the opportunity to design the club's shirt. In designing the shirt she said it was a very important part of Sources of Strength because everyone sees them and will think about the program.
When it came to inspiration for the shirt, Olivia said she was influenced by Mrs. Hailey Lusk and Mrs. Joni Pitcher.
"They showed me a variety of examples of what they thought would look cool and I used my creative liberties to make the final product," she explained.
When she saw the final product, her first thought was "how cool!"
"I never thought MY design would actually become a t-shirt for students to wear, you know," she exclaimed.
After college Olivia is hoping to be an intern or an official animator for Disney.
"Art is my passion! My work on the shirt blew my mind, but to imagine my work on the big screen? That would make my whole life," she concluded.
The Sources of Strength organization focuses on providing quality evidence-based prevention for suicide, violence, bullying and substance abuse by training, supporting, and empowering both peer leaders and caring adults to impact the world through the power of connection, hope, help and strength.
AFHS senior Kamri Hiller said she loved all the projects they have done.
"There are so many groups (at the high school) that work together. I was helping a student when Mrs. Lusk saw. She later gave me a t-shirt and asked if I would be a part of Sources," explained Kamri.
Allie Rasmussen, a junior at AFHS said, "It brings people together and I love being there to support people. I wanted to be the person people could come and talk to."
Fellow AFHS junior Halee Bolgen agreed.
"I like how no one is excluded, everyone has a place to be. I wanted to help make the school more united," Halee said.
Sources is incorporated throughout the high school, even inside the classrooms.
AFHS art teacher Terri Stillwell brought Sources into her Intro to Art class by designing a set of rainbow colored wings for students to take their photo in front of.
“The students created the wings while discussing the purposes of art and the potential for art to send a message,” Stillwell explained. “The class also talked about how some art installations are meant for the public to interact with.”
Another colorful background was created with handmade tie-dye pieces done by the high school’s Painting class.
Hailey Lusk, AFHS Spanish and physical education teacher, agreed with the above comments.
“Sources is unlike any club or organization because of its ability to include multiple ages, personalities, and humans with one common goal - drawing strength from one another,” said Lusk. “I love the sometimes subtle ways that students and teachers show that they are a part of the group, whether it be wearing the YOU MATTER shirt, or making 50 origami cranes. I hope that one day, all of our students will all choose to share their strengths to improve our society as a whole.”
Students and staff at the high school are currently working on their latest Sources project by folding 1,000 origami cranes that will be hung in the high school.
AFHS English teacher Daniel Lammers came up with the idea.
“When a thousand cranes are folded, it is said that the folders will be granted a wish. This wish is commonly associated with the health of those in need. The Sources of Strength program at AFHS has put on this event as a gesture to everyone at this school to say that we care about you and we wish you wellness,” Lammers added. “Many students have come together to make this event possible. Some students made one crane, some made a handful, and a few made 50 or more!”