Walking Together in Hope: Loyola Community Supports Suicide Prevention
10/2/2026
More than 500 Loyola Academy students, faculty and staff came together on September 30 for the school’s second annual Walk for Hope, hosted by the Loyola Academy Hope Squad in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month.
Although rain moved the event indoors, it did not dampen the spirit of the Rambler community. Throughout the Flex and lunch periods, participants walked laps around the East Gym in hope, honor and support of those who are struggling, those affected by suicide and those whose lives have been lost.
The Walk for Hope offered an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and remind members of the Loyola community that no one has to walk alone. In addition to walking, students shared personal messages on a “Why I Walk” banner and received yellow ribbons and Life Savers candy as symbols of hope and connection.
The event was organized by Loyola’s Hope Squad, moderated by Liz Riggs, Erin Shapiro and Amanda Strauss. Hope Squad is part of an evidence-based, peer-to-peer suicide prevention program centered on the power of connection. Members are trained to recognize when someone may be struggling and connect that person with a trusted adult who can help.
The strong turnout served as a powerful reminder of the compassion and care within the Loyola community—and of the difference Ramblers can make when they accompany and support one another.
Meet Loyola Academy's 2026–27 Hope Squad
Seniors — Class of 2027
Lauren A’Hearn, Luke Alvarez, Max Colpi, Kathleen Devine, Yianna Drossos, Nora Duryea, Charlotte Glen, Luiciana Perez, Noah Morales, Brandon Ohlinger, Griffin Oiler, Valentina Sandoval, Marina Sentic, Ellie Tolentino and Presley Zimmerman
Juniors — Class of 2028
Kaosarat Alatise, Kweku Boateng, Elise Carsten, Anthony Cassio, Kristin Chen, Emma Clarke, MaryGrace Connolly, Addison Drekoff, Patrick Horton, Maggie O’Connor, Mya Ortiz, Todd Pham, Vanessa Smith, Shane Starmann, Tucker Tracy, Chloe Tran and Riley Williams
Sophomores — Class of 2029
Emmanuel Borrayo, Roman Brummel, Lucy Chekouras, Lilly Cheston, Cosima Davis-Palladino, Seamus Fruin, Murphy Gamse, Grace Gill, Garnet Krambeck, Maggie McNabola, Jake Munozmaciel, Briana Ongko, Rosie Quinn, Teddy Robinson, Thomas Sullivan and Antigoni Theodosoupous
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Loyola Academy students may also reach out to a counselor, teacher or another trusted adult for support.