Lexington Sources of Strength chapter repaints the quad

November 6, 2018

By Ilana Rosker and Varun Suraj

On Oct. 5, Lexington High School’s chapter of Sources of Strength, a national suicide prevention organization, repainted the quad’s color wheel.

The wheel is split into eight colorful categories representing the core values of Sources of Strength: mental health, medical access, spirituality, generosity, healthy activities, mentors, positive friends and family support.

“Portraying ways to have sources of strength in your life to keep you happy and healthy, not just mentally, but overall, is what the painted quad is for. While the wheel isn’t necessarily labeled or Sources of Strength specific, it reminds students of these categories,” Lucas DiCerbo, a senior and one of the members of the LHS chapter of Sources of Strength, said.

DiCerbo wants LHS students to recognize positive support systems in their lives, overcoming the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

“Too many people focus on negative sources of strength, but the positive ones are there if you look for them. If you’re having a hard time, know that there are tons of resources out there, Sources of Strength being one of them, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need one of them,” DiCerbo said.

The painted quad serves as a constant reminder for students to practice positivity in their lives.

“We want people to think about the eight wedges of the wheel,” Rishi Gollerkeri, a senior and member of Sources of Strength, said. “We want to promote the idea that you need all those values to promote a healthy wellbeing and a healthy mind.”

The event was publicized via Facebook. The LHS chapter of Sources wanted a large part of the LHS community to participate.

“We aren’t doing what we are doing for the people in Sources. It is directed towards general positivity and people that need this. There’s no way that a group of 30 kids and a few adults can make everything happy, but if we can get everyone involved to participate in what we are doing, then we can promote a healthy being. That is the goal,” Gollerkeri said.

The LHS chapter of Sources of Strength started in the fall of 2015. It was organized by the Lexington Youth and Family Services, a group that promotes mental wellness.

Sources of Strength hopes to make repainting the quad an annual event.

“We try to organize fun events that center around people taking the time to be happy,” DiCerbo said.