The effects of the pandemic have presented students across the country with tremendous social and emotional obstacles, but the nationally renowned program Sweethearts & Heroes visited Mayfield schools to help.
Sweethearts & Heroes, a student empowerment and empathy activation team, brought its powerful messages to the Mayfield Central School District the week of April 25, visiting both school buildings.
The Sweethearts & Heroes presentation focused on “Empathetic Fitness” and HOPE (Hold On, Possibilities Exist!) with an aim at preventing bullying and suicide.
Tom Murphy, director and co-founder of Sweethearts & Heroes, was joined by teammates Pat Fish and Rick Yarosh. Yarosh is a retired sergeant with the U.S. Army — injured in Iraq with burns over most of his body — who gives messages about overcoming adversity.
In addition to the larger assemblies, Mayfield students participated in an activity called Circle, which is based on the ancient ritual of sitting in a circle to communicate and build empathy.
“Circle is about building a support network for students in all grades, so that when they are struggling with social and emotional obstacles, they will have the resources necessary to manage those struggles,” Murphy said.