Ramsey High School Footballers Tackle Suicide Prevention

RAMSEY, N.J. -- When the Ramsey High School football team meets Verona next Saturday, the biggest challenge won't be on the field: The teams, who ordinarily don't play one another, will use the game to raise awareness about suicide prevention, MyVeronaNJ.com reports.

"Maybe it helps open up a dialogue with a student from Verona or Ramsey who is struggling and we can help them get through what they are facing.”
Photo Credit: *COURTESY: http://www.myveronanj.com/*

Jerry DeMarco

09/25/2017 11:00 a.m.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month.

Both teams will wear socks in the signature purple and teal colors of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the report says.

Verona High’s cheerleaders, color guard and marching band will also add purple and teal ribbons to their usual maroon and while uniforms.

“At this age, it is very tough," Robert Merkler, VHS's director of athletics, told MyVeronaNJ.com. "[N]ot only are our students dealing with the pressures of school, social life, and being a teen but also with trying to learn about yourself.

"This is just a small gesture on our part, but...maybe it helps open up a dialogue with a student from Verona or Ramsey who is struggling and we can help them get through what they are facing.”

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