Hope is a vital theme for September, encouraging students and families to embrace new beginnings with optimism and resilience. Frenship High School Counselor Kristen Hudgens explained that hope plays a crucial role in suicide awareness and mental wellness by reminding students that their lives matter and that support is always available. 

“Hope is an important theme for September, not only because it inspires students to embrace new beginnings with optimism and resilience, but also because it plays a crucial role in suicide awareness by reminding students that their lives matter and that support is always within reach. Cultivating hope helps foster emotional well-being, encourages help-seeking behavior, and reinforces the message that no one is alone in their struggles,” said Hudgens. 

This September, students are encouraged to reflect on three things that give them hope and to consider one way they can give hope to someone else. Hudgens shared that these activities are designed to help students pause, recognize their sources of strength, and understand that hope can be both personal and shared. 

“These activities invite students to pause and recognize the sources of strength and positivity in their lives, reinforcing that hope is both personal and shareable. By identifying what gives them hope and considering how to offer it to others, students build emotional awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of how hope can be a lifeline; not just for themselves, but for those around them,” Hudgens said. 

The Family Challenge encourages families to consider ways to spread hope within their communities. Hudgens emphasized that including families strengthens support systems and models compassion and resilience for students. 

“Including families in the conversation about hope strengthens the support system around students and extends the impact beyond the classroom. When families actively engage in giving hope, it models compassion, resilience, and community-mindedness; values that students are more likely to internalize and carry forward. It also creates shared language and purpose at home, reinforcing that hope is not just a personal feeling but a collective force for good,” Hudgens said. 

Hope Squad empowers students who are nominated by their peers to promote mental wellness and prevent suicide through education, activities, and connection-building. These peer-nominated students foster a culture of kindness, awareness, and support, helping their peers recognize and share hope throughout the school year. 

For students who may be struggling to feel hopeful, Hudgens offered guidance grounded in compassion and practical steps. 

“If you're struggling to feel hopeful right now, please know this: you're not alone, and how you feel today doesn’t define your future. Hope isn’t about having everything figured out; it’s about believing that things can get better, even if you don’t see how yet. Start small: look for one thing that brings you comfort, one person who cares, or one moment that makes you smile. Those tiny sparks matter,” Hudgens said. 

The Counseling Department provides a safe space, peer support through Hope Squad, daily strategies, and access to outside mental health resources for students and families. This support ensures that no one faces challenges alone and helps cultivate hope as a shared, actionable part of school life. 

“If it feels too heavy to carry alone, reach out. Talk to a trusted adult, a counselor, a friend—someone who can remind you that your story is still unfolding, and you are so needed in this world. You matter more than you know,” Hudgens said. 

Hudgens emphasized the ongoing role of Mental Health Minute and Counseling Services. 

“The Mental Health Minute and Counseling Services at FHS are more than just resources. They’re reminders that every student’s well-being matters. Whether you need a quiet space, a listening ear, or tools to navigate tough emotions, the Counseling Department is here to support you. Hope, healing, and help are always within reach at FHS.” 

For support, please contact your campus counselor or visit the Frenship Counseling Service webpage.