Members of the Stow-Munroe Falls High School Hope Squad recently joined students from nine Summit County high schools for the Youth Hope Initiative rally, an event focused on mental health, resilience, and connection. NBA champion and former Cleveland Cavaliers player Kevin Love took center stage to share personal reflections about his own mental health journey and the importance of asking for help during difficult moments. Students also had the opportunity to hear Love answer candid questions during a fireside chat about resilience, overcoming challenges, and supporting others. Hope Squad began at Stow-Munroe Falls High School and Kimpton Middle School in 2021. Today, the high school program includes 50 students who are nominated by their peers and trained to recognize signs of mental health concerns, connect classmates with trusted resources, and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide prevention. Hope Squad members meet monthly for training and outreach plannin...