Baxter Regional Behavioral Health sponsored the Project Semicolon Suicide Prevention Awareness art contest, and although it could not be held at the hospital this year, Program Director Jodi Leeker partnered with the Viola High School Art Department for a smaller scale competition. All students were given the opportunity to compete for prizes from Baxter Regional with their submissions based on suicide awareness.
On September 18, 2020 Jodi Leeker spoke to students at Viola High School about the importance of talking to someone and breaking the stigma of suicide and self-harm.
Sayde Waltrip, a sophomore at Viola High School was awarded First Place and presented with a $50 gift card.
Katelyn Perryman, a junior, was the $25 second place winner.
Kaylee Koons, a senior, was the $15 third place winner.
Kaylee’s piece focused not only on the Project Semicolon, but also I’ve Got Your 6 (IGY6), an organization bringing awareness to the high rate of suicide among current and former military.
“I plan to continue this project every year, until adults and students are no longer afraid to ask for help. Suicide is something that has affected our lives, and anything I can do to bring awareness to the problem, I will do,” said Sharmin Jennings, art teacher at Viola High School.
Baxter Regional is proud to sponsor this meaningful program and plans to continue their support in the years to come.