Caoilainn McCrory '17 Speaks at Pennsylvania Suicide Prevention Day

Archmere senior Caoilainn McCrory was selected to represent the youth voice at the Pennsylvania Suicide Prevention Day on September 28, 2016. Caoiliann addressed over 100 suicide prevention advocates, suicide attempt and loss survivors, legislators, and mental health professionals on the steps of the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg and received a standing ovation. Senator Tina Tartaglione, president of the PA Psychological Association Dr. David A. Rogers, OMHSAS Deputy Secretary Dennis Marion, PA State Representative Kerry Benninghoff, and others also spoke at the event. The event was hosted by the Pennsylvania Suicide Prevention Coalition of which Archmere school counselor, Francesca Pileggi '06, is a board member.

 

Last November, Caoilainn and Catherine Lawless '17 worked closely with their counselor, Francesca Pileggi '06, to put together a mental health and suicide prevention assembly for the Archmere student body. During the assembly, Caoilainn and Catherine shared personal experiences, promoted positive emotional well-being, and encouraged their peers to reach out for help and support when needed. The Guidance Department purchased wristbands for every Archmere student with the phrase "Be the one who..." to remind students to be the one who speaks up and reaches out for help when a friend is struggling. Caoilainn's speech at the Capitol was modeled after the speech she gave last fall at Archmere.

 

To view the video of Caoiliann's full speech, click here: