Four students from separate high schools won $250 each in an essay contest sponsored by In a Flash and several partner agencies.
Winners, announced Wednesday during a reception in the offices of the Missouri Mental Health Foundation, 221 Metro Drive, Suite C., included two freshmen and two seniors.
They were Liz Bradshaw, a freshman at Calvary Lutheran High School; Anna AuBuchon, a freshman at Helias High School; Grace Craighead, a senior at Jefferson City High School; and Emma Ferrill, a senior at Jefferson City Academic Center.
Ferrill said a lot of students attend the Academic Center because they struggle in a regular learning environment, and that some struggle with mental health or behavioral issues.
Several, she said, struggle with issues related to anxiety and depression.
“My essay told us how we can help other people,” Ferrill said. “Encouraging them to seek out help. Encouraging them to go out with you when you know they’re depressed. Because generally, if you are depressed, it’s best not to stay at home. And seeking help is very important.”
In a Flash is a group of advocates trying to prevent suicide through education, raising awareness of mental health concerns. The group unites and supports survivors and others affected by suicide within the local community.
Barb Gordon, a member of the group, said the organization has over the past five years helped engage the community in meaningful conversations surrounding mental health and suicide.
Money that In a Flash has raised has stayed in the Jefferson City area, allowing the nonprofit to continue its work.
“Students were asked to write a paper about how they can make a positive difference for someone suffering from anxiety, depression, self-harm or suicidal thoughts,” Gordon said. “The intent of this writing competition was to get the conversation about mental health started. And to erase the stigma that surrounds mental health.”
Getting youth involved, and starting the conversation can open doors for more people to seek treatment, she said.
And In a Flash is encouraging youths to remain engaged in the conversation.
She said the nonprofit decided to pay each of the contest participants who were not selected as winners $25.
A hope is they’ll participate again next year, and possibly encourage other students to do the same.