Gettysburg Area High School is proud to have an established Hope Squad, a nationally recognized peer-to-peer suicide prevention and intervention initiative. The program is designed to train and empower students to support one another and connect their peers with appropriate supports. For the 2025–2026 school year, the Gettysburg High School Hope Squad is composed of approximately 20 student representatives in grades 9 through 12 who are committed to promoting student wellness and fostering a supportive school community.
Hope Squad members receive specific instruction in the nationally recognized QPR model—Question, Persuade, Refer—a best-practice suicide prevention training that equips students to notice behavioral changes, initiate supportive conversations, and encourage their peers to seek assistance from a trusted adult such as a parent, school counselor, social worker, teacher, or administrator. Members are not trained therapists; rather, their role is to serve as a vital link between students in need and professional resources, ensuring timely intervention and support.
Throughout the academic year, Hope Squad organizes a variety of educational programs, school-wide initiatives, and community engagement opportunities that emphasize the importance of student wellness. These activities provide valuable information regarding available school and community-based resources while also fostering a culture of openness and understanding. A hallmark of the program is the annual “Bring Light to the Night” event, held each December, which brings students, families, and community members together to raise awareness, promote hope, and healing for those struggling during the holidays.
By cultivating student leadership and emphasizing peer connection, Gettysburg Area High School’s Hope Squad contributes meaningfully to the overall climate of the school. The program affirms the district’s commitment to student well-being, safety, and the promotion of a supportive environment where every individual feels valued and connected.
Source: Gettysburg Area High School