Friday March 24, Godwin students from the No Eagle Left Behind Organization led an assembly to promote the awareness of mental illnesses and the importance of speaking up. Their initiative for the “Dude Be Nice” program encourages kindness towards others every day.

The No Eagle Left Behind Organization opened by explaining the organization’s purpose and hope for students to “break the stigma” against bullying. Representatives for the Cameron K Gallagher Foundation and Christopher’s Angels were present, and guest speakers included Ann Rodgers, Grace Gallagher, and Melissa Hopely.

After showing a video that spoke about all the organizations and purposes of No Eagle Left Behind, Grace Gallagher stepped up to the podium to further discuss the Cameron K Gallagher Foundation and how her daughter’s legacy will live on through the foundation and the kindness of others. While speaking of her daughter, Grace proudly mentioned a message Cameron had written to inspire others, saying “you are worth it all.”

Another compelling story was given by guest speaker Melissa Hopely, who shared her personal story with the audience on her struggle with mental illness and the affects it had on her growing up.
Her mental illness started at the age of five, and she quickly learned to hide her differences from everyone. In school, Hopely constantly struggled with trying to fit in with a popular crowd, who was always mean to her and each other, and it took a toll.

“I was truly two people. One who seemed fine at school, and one who had dark thoughts at home,” said Hopely.

Later she was diagnosed with OCD, and then depression. As much as she tried to ignore her problems, it eventually caught up to her and she finally broke after being taunted by the popular crowd she was trying to fit in with. Hopely claims that if it weren’t for her friend Mary Beth speaking up, she wouldn’t have gotten the help she needed.

The lesson that Hopely wanted to share at the assembly was the importance of speaking up for others and yourself, especially if you feel like something is wrong.

“Everyone here has something we go through, but we’re so afraid to be judged. We should not fear having struggles, because everyone has a story,” said Hopely.

Hopely went on to write the book “The People you meet in real Life”, which includes several of her personal stories; some of which she explained in her speech during the assembly.

Speaking after Hopely was Ann Ross Rodgers, who expressed her gratitude towards organizations like No Eagle Left Behind and how they remind her of her son. Her son Charles liked to help others with their struggles through music, and Rogers continues on his legacy by trying to help others in his memory.

Wrapping up the assembly, members of No Eagle Left Behind introduced their new programs and initiatives that will be starting around Godwin. There will be Speak Up workshops taking place on Tuesdays where students will meet and learn techniques to help others and learn to speak out. Another thing that they are interested in starting are Support Group; all students that are interested are encouraged to see Counseling to help kick-start the initiative.

Ending the assembly, the group expresses their pride in Godwin and its willingness to bring “Dude Be Nice” into effect and promote kindness everywhere.

As No Eagle Left Behind member Charles Shelton said, “Godwin wouldn’t be Godwin if we didn’t have each other, so help each other out.”

 

Photos Kevin Crockett