Fairmont Hope Squad dedicates Tree of Hope
When Fairmont High School’s Hope Squad dedicated a Tree of Hope in the courtyard at the high school on Sept. 19, it was a culmination of many months of planning and — in the true sense of the times — a pivot, if you will, from the what the organization had initially planned.
“The first year, when we started talking about planting a tree, it was going to be in memory of Caine (a Fairmont High School student who died by suicide in 2019),” said Adeline Hennessy, president of Fairmont’s USB and a member of Hope Squad.
Seeking out a sponsor for the project, ideal timing for planting a tree and the onset of the pandemic all played a part in delaying the tree planting project. “When we circled back around to this, we decided that we could honor Caine and also establish a place
on campus where people can go and reflect, where anyone who has lost someone or who may be struggling can feel at peace,” said Hennessy.
“I think this is one of the best things Fairmont has implemented on school grounds. Mental health isn’t super-talked about, but it should be,” said Tyler Pitts, a Hope Squad member.
“Yes,” added Hope Squad member, Leah Gonzalez, “Let’s break down the walls surrounding mental health. I think a lot of kids will be comforted by this space, whether they are struggling or are just seeking a place to reflect and relax.”
Long-time supporter of the Hope Squads at Fairmont and at Kettering and Van Buren middle schools, the DorWood Optimist Club sponsored the Tree of Life project, and the significance of this is not lost on the Hope Squad members. “Their support is a really special thing. It shows that they believe in and understand the importance of what we are doing, and that is pretty awesome,” said Pitts.