I am a local volunteer who is passionate about suicide prevention. Why? I do not want anyone to go through the pain that our family and friends experienced when my sister died by suicide in 2005. I am a certified master trainer in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), QPR, & Working Minds; an active volunteer for the Montgomery County Prevention Coalition; and co-founder of The Out of the Darkness Walk in Dayton. My goal is to reduce the stigma and shame of suicide by talking about it and educating people about the warning signs and risk factors.

I am Brace Redmond, a junior at Centerville High School. I am an active member of the Centerville Coeds Varsity Dance Team and Student Council. My sophomore year I became a member of Centerville’s Hope Squad. Through Hope Squad I have helped my fellow students navigate mental health struggles. Being a Gem team member gives me the opportunity to reach others outside of my school. Mental health affects so many teenagers and my heart is called to help those affected by it.

I am a Junior at Alter High School and this is her second year on the GEM team! She is heavily involved in theatre around Dayton, as well as dance, softball, and the Hope Squad at her school. She is so grateful for the GEM Project and hopes to make a positive and large difference in teen mental health.

I am a senior at Chaminade Julienne. I play soccer and lacrosse and am active in many student groups like Student Council, Student Development, Hope Squad, and FLIGHT--Faith Leaders in God's Hands Today. I enjoy volunteering and serving those in my community. After experiencing the loss of my older brother to suicide, I have become a huge advocate for suicide prevention and mental health. I want to make sure everyone is given the resources to take care of their mental health and understand that they are not alone in their struggles. I hope that no one else has to experience the pain suicide brings to a family.

I am a Junior at Chaminade Julienne. I play volleyball and like to sing in musicals. I am someone who has dealt with suicidal thoughts and I want to be a light for others. I want to advocate for those who are unable to speak out and let them know there are other ways we can be heard. By joining GEM Project Dayton, I hope that a message of love and understanding will be spread throughout our communities. As a GEM Project leader I hope that people will begin to have a better understanding of our cause and how to go about dealing with it.

I am a junior at Fairmont High school. I play soccer and am also involved in various organizations at Fairmont, which includes photography for a lot of the sports. I joined Hope Squad in 7th grade and got more and more involved every year. After losing my best friend to suicide freshman year, I truly realized how much mental health matters in everyday life. By joining GEM, I hope to spread suicide and mental health awareness as well as getting the community more involved in mental health awareness.

I am a Sophomore at Oakwood High School and excited to take part in my first year with the GEM Project! I love running with the cross country team and participate in tons of theater around the Dayton area. I am so excited to make a difference in the community by helping bring this wonderful project to life.