September is Suicide Awareness Month, and each year the Indiana County Suicide Task Force sponsors the “Walk for a Wonderful Life.”  Now in its 14th year, the annual event supports the mission of spreading awareness, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, and bringing families and friends together to remember loved ones lost to suicide. It also provides the opportunity to network with numerous Indiana County Human Service Agencies that offer support.

This year’s event was held at Mack Park / Indiana County Fairgrounds track on Sunday September 20. Prior to the walk, the “Angel on Earth” Ceremony took place. The Indiana Area Senior High School chapter of the Green Bandana Project student team was the recipient of this year’s “Angel on Earth” award, which recognizes individuals or organizations who demonstrate exemplary work in raising awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide prevention within the community. 

Ms. Cassidy Black, IHS English Teacher and Green Bandana Faculty Advisor, noted that “words can’t begin to express how proud I am to watch my students succeed in all aspects of life, especially in their support of mental health awareness. They work diligently behind the scenes at IHS to create opportunities to spread awareness and support their peers, all with a main goal to promote mental well being.”

Mrs. Courtney Kuncelman, IHS School Psychologist and Green Bandana Faculty Advisor adds that “these are skills that students will utilize long after they have graduated from the Indiana Area School District. These are our neighbors and community members; they will continue to spread awareness, reduce the stigma, and support others.”