As this is Yellow Ribbon Week for CHS, the all-school assembly to raise suicide prevention awareness was held on Monday, Nov. 17. Claremont Police Department Social Worker Dr. Kirby Palmer and Senior Devin Bradley spoke at the event, which was organized by CHS’ Associated Student Body (ASB).

“I think the assembly made a powerful impact on the students because we had Devin speak. She’s a part of the pack, which made the program not only preventive but also supportive of those dealing with depression” senior Michaela Moriarty said.

CHS has hosted this program within the school for approximately sixteen years. Bradley also spoke at the Yellow Ribbon assembly in El Roble Intermediate School, which occurred on Nov. 6. Students Michaela Moriarty and Danielle Roybal were in charge of organizing the event, which involved decorating the school with yellow ribbons and posters, setting up the gym beforehand, and more. The Claremont Police Department also generously donated a grant to CHS to pay for the Help Cards, which, along with ribbons, were printed and handed out to every student following the assembly.

The Yellow Ribbon Organization was founded in 1994 by the parents and friends of Mike Emme, who was a victim of depression and suicide. Because Emme had rescued a 1968 Ford Mustang, rebuilding it and painting it yellow, they decided to remember him by pinning yellow ribbons to cards that said “It’s OK to Ask4Help!”, cards to be given to a close teacher, friend, parent, counselor, etc. in a time of need. The ribbon became the symbol of the suicide prevention cause for this organization.