Inspired to continue the healing process after three classmates and one teacher committed suicide last year, West Bloomfield High School seniors Ryan Ishbia, 17, and Josh Cooper, 17, with the guidance of teachers, administrators and Rabbi Yarden Blumstein of the Friendship Circle, planned “U-Matter,” a weeklong program aimed at bringing attention to mental health issues and suicide prevention Nov. 14-18. The week included art and essay writing contests and special guest speakers. The highlight of the week was a day of assemblies for all students. In shifts, teachers prepared “Ted Talk”-style lectures complete with PowerPoint presentations and uplifting videos to accompany their talks that were given to the entire student body of 1,700 students.
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