A Week of Hope, Honor, and Mustang Pride

From September 8–12, Minarets High School students and staff participated in a week of themed dress-up days to recognize Suicide Prevention Week. The events combined school spirit with advocacy, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness within the Mustang community.

The week began on Monday with Book Character Day, where students dressed as their favorite literary figures. Popular choices included Charlie Brown, a character whose simple yet heartfelt persona resonated with many students.

On Tuesday, students marked National Teddy Bear Day by bringing stuffed animals to school. Teddy bears, rabbits, and familiar characters such as Snoopy filled classrooms, serving as symbols of comfort and care.

Wednesday focused on raising awareness directly, as students and staff wore purple and teal, the official colors of suicide prevention. Our Minarets leadership also handed out suicide prevention ribbon pins with the same color. The day highlighted remembrance and resilience, as well as the community’s dedication to offering hope and support.

On Thursday, the school honored 9/11 Remembrance Day by wearing red, white, and blue. Students paid tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks, including those on the flights that struck the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93, along with the first responders who risked and sacrificed their lives.

The week concluded on Friday with Class Colors Day, where each grade level dressed in their designated colors: freshmen in yellow, sophomores in purple, juniors in white, and seniors in black. While the day highlighted Mustang pride and school spirit, it also carried a deeper message, symbolizing the unity of the student body and staff in supporting one another and reinforcing the importance of mental health awareness.

Through creative expression and thoughtful participation, Minarets students demonstrated that raising awareness can be both meaningful and community-driven. Suicide Prevention Week offered a chance for the Mustang family to show not only their school spirit but also their commitment to fostering hope and support for those in need.

Written by Sarah Kinnunen and Susanna Kinnunen

Edited by Josephina Emerson 

Photo by Avani Cheema