This entry was submitted by CHS senior Bridget Beatty-
On October 27th at the Canton High School football home game we will be announcing a mental health initiative which carries a focus of suicide prevention. “The HT40 Foundation exists to do nothing more than what one young man did himself- bring people together with kindness and compassion, leaving no one left apart”. HT40’s name is based off of a young man from Connecticut named Hayden Thorsen who tragically lost his life to suicide in May of 2022.
Hayden, a student-athlete who proudly wore #40, was a friend and a peer to all who knew him, never hesitating to put an arm around someone’s shoulder. HT40 was created by Hayden's parents Sarah and Rob and sister Elke. Shoulder Check is an #HT40 initiative inspiring young people to commit to supporting one another through small acts that have a big impact. To show that ‘being there’ is as simple as a hand on a shoulder.
We, at Canton High School, are asking for everyone to put their hand on the shoulder next to them to show and promote support for one another through whatever struggle someone may be facing. Always remember to Reach Out, Check In, and Make Contact. You can visit and learn more about Shoulder Check at https://www.shouldercheck.org/ and follow @theshouldercheck on instagram.
