Yellow Ribbon Week at Corona del Mar High School, hosted annually by Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL), is a week dedicated to suicide prevention by encouraging students to break the stigma, seek help when needed, and remind each other that no one is alone. It is more than an awareness campaign – it is a movement to foster hope, support, and open conversations about mental health. Through meaningful activities, educational discussions, and engaging with other students, CdM aims to create a safe space where mental well-being is prioritized. As students, teachers, and staff come together, Yellow Ribbon Week serves as a powerful reminder that help is always available and that every life matters.
Taking place from March 10 to 14 this year, the week features daily events designed to encourage connection and well-being. Students kicked off Monday by signing posters to receive donuts at lunch. On Tuesday at lunch in the lecture hall, Kim Turner of the Patrick’s Purpose Foundation hosted an informational panel discussion. This foundation is an indelible part of the CdM community and does vital work to encourage mental health awareness in teenagers. To a full audience of CdM students, she thoughtfully covered topics such as inclusion, mental health awareness, and suicide prevention. After a very impactful speech, the audience was open for questions and discussion.
Aside from the panel, yellow ribbon week was marked by several other well-planned and executed activities for the student body to participate in. From therapy dogs on Wednesday to a stress ball-making station on Thursday, PAL had a packed week planned! Senior and head of the PAL bonding committee, Senior Gabby Sosa feels that “yellow ribbon week stands for such an important message,” and she felt “lucky to be able to help make it as inclusive and impactful as possible.” Her favorite part “was all the planning, especially the poster making.” Throughout the week inspirational yellow posters with messages such as “you are not alone” and “this world is infinitely better with you in it” donned the halls. PAL students worked hard on them, and were overall proud of their execution.
The week concluded on Friday with students wearing yellow to receive donuts at break. When asked about what she thought of the past week, Senior Audrey Long said that “it spreads a really important message and it is really amazing that PAL is promoting good mental health”. Through these activities, Yellow Ribbon Week fosters an open dialogue about mental health, reminding students that they are never alone and that help is always available.
As Yellow Ribbon Week comes to a close, its message of hope, support, and mental health awareness continues to resonate throughout the Corona del Mar community. Through engaging activities and open conversations, students have been reminded that seeking help is a sign of strength and that no one has to face their struggles alone. While the events of the week may end, the commitment to fostering a supportive and understanding environment remains. By carrying these lessons formard, CdM students can continue to uplift one another and ensure that mental well-being is always a priority.
