Culture of connection: Hope Squad expands across Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools

A grant in honor of a well-known Sioux Falls business leader has allowed the Hope Squad program to be fully embraced and now scaled across Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.

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The Gary Gaspar Grant, donated by friends of Interstate Office Products CEO Gary Gaspar in his honor, brought the Hope Squad program to Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools this school year.

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Students from elementary through high school play active roles in fostering mental wellness, kindness and inclusion across all campuses. The expansion of this evidence-based, peer-led initiative reflects the school system’s commitment to supporting students not just academically but emotionally and spiritually as well.

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Hope Squad, led by school counselors and selected through peer nominations, empowers students to become advocates for connection and well-being. At each school level, squad members meet throughout the year to plan student-led initiatives and receive ongoing training. Their training involves working to reduce stigma around mental health, promoting inclusivity and offering peer-level support — all while modeling kindness and leadership.

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High school: Leading with heart

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O’Gorman High School counselor and Hope Squad facilitator Morgan Robey describes the program as “a culture-changing force” on campus.

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One of the most visible manifestations of this culture shift occurred during Hope Week in February, when the high school hosted themed days, resource tables, a “shred your stress” activity, therapy dogs and student-led prayer moments. The doubleheader basketball game Feb. 25 became a unifying event, where Hope Squad members from all grade levels came together to share their message of hope and encouragement.

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“There were over 20 O’G Hope Squad members from fourth grade through senior year singing the national anthem. There were over 20 junior high Hope Squad members sprinkled throughout the high school pep band playing. In the stands, there were over 50 Hope Squad members buddied up and cheering,” Robey said.

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“I guess we didn’t anticipate how well it would bring all levels from all schools together and for such a cool mission! It was a really beautiful moment.”

Junior high: Elevating mental health conversations

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O’Gorman Junior High implemented Hope Squad with an emphasis on visibility and student involvement. Squad members helped lead Monday and Friday prayers, hosted a Mental Health Lunch Break offering resources and conversation, and supported community events like the boys’ and girls’ basketball games.

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These efforts have laid the foundation for ongoing student leadership in building an environment where kindness and mental well-being are integrated into the school’s daily rhythm.

Elementary schools: Starting young with peer support

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At the elementary level, each school has adapted Hope Squad in age-appropriate, creative ways — often blending peer mentorship with acts of service and positivity.

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• St. Michael and St. Katharine Drexel: Students shared morning announcements and daily “hope” challenges. Activities like mix-it-up lunches, classroom games with preschool students and kindness videos cultivated a sense of connection and inclusion. St. Katharine Drexel also created a “stop, smile, breathe” wall and a Joy Jar filled with encouraging notes.
• Holy Spirit: Hope Squad members promoted kindness, inclusion and anti-bullying through classroom activities and visual reminders, like students wearing bright shirts to “shine bright” for others. The Squad’s yearlong focus is on building a ripple effect of good deeds and intentional friendship.
• St. Mary: Squad members shared books on kindness, visited residents at Touchmark at All Saints and led initiatives like the Notes of Hope project, which decorated the halls with positive messages. A paper chain linked every student’s name as a symbol of unity, and the Squad also organized gifts for The Foster Network.
• Christ the King: Initiatives included a sidewalk Chalk the Block, a Gratitude Wall quilt and mix-it-up lunch days. The Hope Squad also made fleece blankets during a visit to LifeScape and facilitated lunchtime lessons focused on kindness and friendship.
• St. Lambert: Students created kindness posters, built a Friendship Wall with personal messages and handed out Hope Squad bracelets. The Squad greeted students each morning with high-fives and encouraging signs, fostering a welcoming atmosphere from the moment students walked through the door.

Systemwide commitment

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What makes Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools’ implementation of Hope Squad unique is the consistency of vision across all age groups. Younger students are introduced to the language of empathy and inclusion; middle schoolers are empowered to notice and support one another; high school students become leaders of compassion.

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Senior Anya Bornitz, a Hope Squad member at O’Gorman High School, sees the impact of this connection firsthand.

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“My favorite part of Hope Squad is going to the elementary schools and going to recess with the kids and teaching them about Hope Squad,” she said, acknowledging how powerful it is to see even the youngest students understand that being kind and including others matters.

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“This kind of mentorship and modeling reinforces the idea that every student, no matter their age, has a role to play in fostering a culture of care,” Bornitz said. “Our goal is to help every student feel seen, supported and safe. Hope Squad isn’t just a club — it’s a mindset that’s changing the way we care for one another.”

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Honoring Gary Gaspar

The grant came from the Friends of Gary Gaspar fund that was established by Michael Bender and Dick Molseed with other Gaspar friends and colleagues.

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Gary and Theresa Gaspar have been steadfast champions of Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, leaving a remarkable legacy of generosity, faith and service. Their longtime support of the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Foundation and unwavering commitment to Catholic education have had a profound and lasting impact on our school community.

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In 2005, Gaspar began almost a decade of dedicated service on the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Board, offering thoughtful leadership rooted in deep faith and care for future generations. The Gaspars  also have supported the schools’ mission through Foundation membership and estate planning, ensuring that their generosity will continue to benefit students for years to come.

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We mourn Gary Gaspar’s passing in 2022, following his courageous battle with mental health. In honoring his life and legacy, we find renewed purpose in our Hope Squad efforts — helping to promote mental wellness and support resilience in our schools. Through the Hope Squad, Gaspar’s legacy continues to shine as a source of hope for our students and families.

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Originally published at https://pigeon605.com/culture-of-connection-hope-squad-expands-across-bishop-ogorman-catholic-schools/

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