COALITION ACTIVITIES
Our coalition hosts events and programs throughout the year to raise awareness, honor those affected by suicide, and engage the community in prevention efforts.
Step Up to Prevent Suicide Walk:
The Step Up to Prevent Suicide Walk is a community event that brings people together to honor loved ones lost to suicide, support those who are struggling, and raise awareness about prevention and hope. Last year’s walk raised over $10,000 to support local suicide prevention initiatives. The next walk will take place on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Middle School & High School Student Contests:
Our student contests encourage youth to engage in suicide prevention through creativity, awareness, and peer support. Each year, students across Medina County are invited to share messages of hope, promote help-seeking, and educate others about warning signs and resources through age-appropriate creative projects.
PAUSE, NOT PUNISHMENT Training:
The PAUSE, NOT PUNISHMENT Training equips firearm retailers, shooting ranges, and firearms instructors with practical tools to recognize signs of crisis, respond with compassion, and encourage voluntary, temporary safety measures during periods of elevated suicide risk while connecting individuals to support.
High School Contest 2026
Stomp Out Suicide (SOS) PSA Contest
The Stomp Out Suicide (SOS) PSA Contest invites high school students to create a short Public Service Announcement (PSA) focused on suicide prevention. Students use video to raise awareness, encourage help-seeking, and support peers who may be struggling.
2026 Contest Winners
1st Place: $500
“Assumptions” - Alistair McNeill and Marcas Gallagher - Medina High School
2nd Place: $250
"Suicide Affects Everyone" Sydney Schorr, Cain Hoover, and Alycen Gacek - Medina High School
Winning PSAs may be featured throughout the community, including:
Social media
School announcements
Community presentations and outreach events
Local agency websites
View the 2026 winning PSAs below:
1st Place PSA - “Assumptions”
Alistair McNeill and Marcas Gallagher - Medina High School
2nd Place PSA - “Suicide Affects Everyone”
Sydney Schorr, Cain Hoover, and Alycen Gacek - Medina High School
Resources & Materials:
(Includes application, creative brief, photo release, copyright & trademark agreement, and liability waiver)
Middle School Contest 2026
Art Made, Lives Saved Poster Contest
The Art Made, Lives Saved Poster Contest encourages middle school students to use art to promote suicide prevention. Students create posters that highlight warning signs, how to recognize when someone may be struggling, and where to find help and support.
2026 Contest Winners
1st Place: $250
"Suicide Prevention" Mallory Gabor - Wadsworth Middle School (8th grade)
2nd Place: $250
"Together We Are One" Isaac Watson - Wadsworth Intermediate School (6th grade)
Winning posters may be featured through:
Schools
Local agency websites
Community awareness efforts
View the winning posters below:
1st Place Poster
"Suicide Prevention" Mallory Gabor - Wadsworth Middle School (8th grade)
2nd Place Poster
"Together We Are One" Isaac Watson - Wadsworth Intermediate School (6th grade)
Resources & Materials:
(Includes application, creative brief, photo release, copyright & trademark agreement, and liability waiver)
Important Dates for Both Contests
Contest Opens: January 1, 2026
Submission Deadline: February 28, 2026
Winners Announced: By March 31, 2026
Awards Presentation: April 17, 2026, at the SHARE Breakfast (students will receive the prize in person)
Questions?
For questions about either contest, participation requirements, or materials, please contact Dina Meslovich at dmeslovich@alternativepaths.org.