Sweethearts & Heroes, an organization that aims to prevent hopelessness, bullying and suicide through their work with students and educators, brought their powerful message to students at Delaware Academy CSD at Delhi this week. They worked with middle school students on Monday and high school students on Tuesday, with an assembly each morning followed by a series of smaller group discussions called “Circles,” led by Sweethearts & Heroes facilitators.
Founder Pat Murphy and co-founder Rick Yarosh presented what Murphy calls “‘the ‘stop, drop and roll’ of bullying” in the morning assemblies. Murphy is a graduate of Cooperstown High School, a college All-American wrestler, and a former professional mixed-martial arts competitor, and his high-energy delivery connected with the audience of students and educators.
Yarosh, a Broome County native, is a retired Army Sergeant who served in Iraq for 9 months until he experienced a life-altering injury, with burns over 60% of his body, and the loss of his right leg below the knee, both ears, his nose, and much of the function in his hands. He spent six months recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.
His message focused on hope and resilience, and turning adversity into opportunity. Community Ambassadors Josiah McKeon and Chad Althiser assisted in facilitating the Circle sessions at the school.
Sweethearts & Heroes founder Tom Murphy gestures as he speaks to students and teachers Monday in one of the Circles, a small-group format built on the ancient ritual of communicating in a circle to build compassion and empathy.
This week’s assemblies and circle sessions are part of larger antibullying program, according to High School Principal Crystal Trask. “In addition to the assembly and community circles throughout the school year, we will be working with Sweethearts & Heroes to implement their BRAVE program, which trains students on becoming antibullying advocates and peer mentors.” She views this year’s activities “as groundwork for the next couple of next years, as we build the skills and understanding to have students and staff facilitate their own circles, with the support of Sweethearts & Heroes.”
Cover Photo Caption:
Sweethearts & Heroes founder Tom Murphy makes a point while speaking to students and educators at Delaware Academy CSD at Delhi on Tuesday. Co-founder Rick Yarosh listens on the right.