Lively chatter rises into the air from the array of trifold poster boards. People are constantly on the move, looking around in wonder.

The Mental Health Fair, held Wednesday in the Coppell High School Commons, was hosted by CHS Hope Squad in partnership with The Defensive Line, a nonprofit aiming to prevent youth suicide. It was an opportunity for many clubs to present their group’s contribution to improving mental health.

“I’ve loved learning about a bunch of different clubs,” junior Eco Club officer Sree Pitani said. “I’ve just seen so many new clubs that I have not seen before.”

Pitani managed the Eco Club table, featuring information about the club’s activities, such as gardening and citizen science.

Many tables were interactive, incorporating an element to engage the audience while spreading awareness about the importance of mental health. For example, the CHS TEDx table featured an activity allowing people to anonymously confess to struggles.

“Just looking at the responses, I realize that we might be shallow, but we actually struggle with stuff inside,” said junior Seerat Bhatia, who managed the TEDx table.

CHS Hope Squad went through careful planning and organization to make the Mental Health Fair a success. This organization is centered around suicide prevention and mental health.

“The overall goal is to make sure that CHS knows about mental health and suicide, and we would love to increase the knowledge that’s available,” junior Hope Squad co-President Ruth Mathews said.

Hope Squad is split across two class periods. Both class periods work together to contact clubs and businesses that were present at the event.

“We’re so grateful for everyone who came out in support and had a good time,” junior Hope Squad co-President Anuva Kaura said. 

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