FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 27, 2021
For More Information:
Glenville State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115
GLENVILLE, WV – Several members of Glenville State College’s Hidden Promise Scholars program recently took part in an American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walk. The walk was held in Huntington, West Virginia at Harris Riverfront Park earlier in October.
Jeremy Carter, Glenville State’s Hidden Promise Scholars Coordinator, organized the trip and was joined by seven Scholars. By the conclusion of the event, they had been recognized as the Top Fundraising Team, raising $792. Additionally, Glenville State student Hannah Clarkson was also recognized as the Top Fundraiser at the event.
“Our Hidden Promise students represented Glenville State College wonderfully,” Carter said. “The walk was very productive in helping to spread the word about suicide prevention. A special thanks to the GSC Foundation for providing the students with lunch after the walk.”
“As soon as my best friend, Olivia Dillon, and I saw the opportunity, we felt Inclined to participate. This cause felt very personal to me as my family has been affected by suicide and the fight against depression,” Clarkson said. “I didn’t know there would be an award ceremony, but I’m beyond happy to have participated in making Hidden Promise the top fundraising group. Thank you to everyone that donated to our fundraisers – your selfless acts don’t go unnoticed!”
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention began hosting Out of the Darkness Walks in 2004, and now host walks on college campuses and in communities across the country. The events are designed to give courage to open up and connect with others and provide a platform to create a new culture about the importance of mental health.
The Hidden Promise Scholars program is a component of the Glenville State College Hidden Promise Consortium. The program is an alliance between Glenville State College and county school districts throughout West Virginia aimed at improving communication between higher education and teachers, staff, and students in grades eight through 12. Other goals include increasing the number of high school and college graduates as well as aligning the curricula of K-12 and higher education.
Students are often inducted into the program while still in high school after being chosen by their school counselors, teachers, and principals. The scholars mentor with current college students and take part in campus visits and summer camps. Upon high school graduation, HPS students who opt to attend GSC receive a $1,000 scholarship which is renewable annually throughout their enrollment as a full-time student.
Visit www.afsp.org to learn more about Out of the Darkness Walks.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, please call 911 or utilize other available resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling (800) 273-8255 (in English) or (888) 628-9454 (en español). The Crisis Text Line is also available 24/7 and can be accessed by simply texting “HELLO” to 741741; a crisis counselor can then provide you with support and information.