Students throughout Shoreham-Wading River High School celebrated “P.S. I Love You Day,” a day dedicated to the fight against depression and suicide. Spearheaded by junior Giavanna Verdi, the day served as an outlet to let others know they are never alone and that someone is always there to help.
    
In recognition of the day, SWR students and staff were encouraged to wear purple to school. In addition, Giavanna collected donations for the Long Island Crisis Center and distributed purple ribbons to those who donated. High school students also had the opportunity to write down positive thoughts on purple index cards, which were then hung on the wall for all to see. One card read, “Be the best version of yourself that you can be,” while another proclaimed, “The more you celebrate your life, the more there is to celebrate.”

Giavanna learned about P.S. I Love You Day through her participation in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation. While attending a HOBY seminar, Giavanna heard from and met West Islip student Brooke DiPalma, the person responsible for starting P.S. I Love You Day throughout the region. “I feel like our community needs to be a little bit brighter and wanted to bring some happiness to our school,” stated Giavanna on her decision to bring the awareness campaign to the high school.