New club having positive effect within the school
Members of the Aevidum club show off their handiwork. They recently decorated sidewalks around McGowan with messages of thanks and encouragement.
After losing a friend to suicide, the word “aevidum” was invented to mean “I’ve got your back.” Now it represents a new club at Carlisle that is having a positive impact on the school climate.
The movement all started at Cocalico High School in Lancaster Pennsylvania when a student took his own life and a support group was created. They set their goal on educating the community about suicide and mental health.
Their message quickly spread and after becoming an official non-profit organization in 2010, Aevidum has appeared in over 150 schools.
Now, Aevidum has come to Carlisle.
Michelle Disbrow, club co-advisor, said the group’s goal at the high school is to “[build] a sense of community and mak[e] everyone feel appreciated.”
Their first task was writing notes with positive
messages and placing them on lockers. They also left messages of appreciation in chalk outside the doors to the school for the teachers to see.
Within the first year of Aevidum being at Carlisle, they are already seeing positive effects. Teachers “seemed more happy about coming into work” after the messages brightened their day, said club member Molly Marra. 
As Disbrow explained, “You never know when a smile or a random note will really change somebody’s day.”
The club hopes to grow beyond the school and help spread their powerful message throughout the community of Carlisle.
According to PleaseLive.org, 1 in 7 high school students have considered suicide within the past school year. This is one of the many shocking statistics that are opening the eyes of the world. PleaseLive.org
Do not be afraid to seek help. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
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Carol Etzel is a senior at Carlisle High School. This is her second year as Magazine Editor-in-Chief. Along with Periscope, she also plays the clarinet...
Andrew B • Jan 11, 2017 at 10:31 am
I’m really surprised to see that 1 in 7 high schoolers have considered suicide in the past year. This saddens my heart and opens my eyes to the need around me. I got your back.
Cara Eschenmann • Jan 10, 2017 at 12:01 pm
I am actually in this club and am very happy that it is being featured on the periscope page! I hope that throughout the year we will be able to get the name out to our school and that it will have a great impact on the students!
Tali Carlton • Dec 9, 2016 at 1:36 pm
I love the idea behind this club and I am very happy that it has been brought to Carlisle. I think more people our age need to become more aware of the amount of teenagers who are suicidal so we can help them out. I hope to see more messages throughout the school!
Jessica Burley • Dec 9, 2016 at 8:09 am
I think this club was a very good idea. Not that many people know about mental health and everyone needs something positive to brighten their day in the morning!