Hope Squad

Grand Blanc Community Schools was proud to announce the establishment of the Hope Squad at Grand Blanc High School in 2023. Since then, it has expanded into East and West Middle School and Bobcat Innovation Upper School!

Hope Squad is a nationally recognized, student-led initiative aimed at fostering mental health awareness and student resilience through a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program. Students are supported by a team of staff members (Advisors) led by the district's Social/Emotional Learning (SEL). They are also heavily supported by building Counseling staff.

Watch a WNEM video here!

The students of GBHS Hope Squad were nominated for membership by their fellow students. They meet regularly to discuss the warning signs of distress and train in the resources available to support mental well-being. Guided by the belief that every student deserves to feel supported and heard, these compassionate, trusted students serve as confidants and sources of encouragement, helping to bridge the gap between students and adults. They identify themselves by wearing Hope Squad lanyards and t-shirts/sweatshirts. They hosted the first "Hope Week" at GBHS, which included activities and spirit days at GBHS to introduce students to their existence and mission.

The group also put together an advisory lesson for GBHS students, which focused on the warning signs of suicide and resources for help. They include the story of Deegan Walton (TW), a Holly High School senior who committed suicide just last fall. Deegan’s mom, Lori Walton, uses TikTok, the Deegan Project, and other avenues to tell their tragic story and help prevent teen suicide. This connection to a local teen’s story is very impactful to students. An anonymous note left after Deegan's death said "Please don't give up. What if you wake up tomorrow and that's the day everything changes? Tomorrow Needs You!" GBHS Hope Squad has embraced this sentiment, "Tomorrow needs you."

For 2026-27, Skyler Wamsley has been selected to serve on the Hope Squad National Council!  We are extremely proud of her ambition to improve school culture on a broader scale.

Hope Squad's implementation aligns with the district's Strategic Plan and its ongoing efforts to create a positive and nurturing school environment where every student feels valued and supported. By empowering students to play an active role and provide peer support, GBCS hopes to increase empathy and resilience that will extend beyond the classroom walls.

Hope Squad will continue to engage in various activities and initiatives to promote mental health awareness and destigmatize mental health issues into the next school year. They will also work closely with school counselors, teachers, and administrators to ensure fellow students have access to the support and resources they need to thrive - academically, socially, and emotionally. We encourage students, parents, and community members to support Hope Squad and its mission.