Hope Squad Conference brings together hundreds of students for peer support

EATON — Nearly 300 middle and high school students, along with more than 40 advisors, community members, and organizational representatives, came together Tuesday, Nov. 4, for the first-ever Hope Squad Conference hosted in Preble County.

‍

Hope Squad members serve as peer advocates within their schools and communities—trained to notice when classmates are struggling, reach out to offer support, and connect peers with trusted adults or resources when needed. In addition to providing peer support, members focus on fostering positivity and connection through schoolwide activities and outreach.

‍

The daylong event, held at Preble Shawnee Local Schools, offered inspiring keynote presentations, interactive breakout sessions, and a “Connection Corner” featuring local and regional organizations that shared mental-health resources and encouragement. Topics ranged from leadership and self-care to creative strategies for enhancing Hope Squad efforts in schools.

‍

Event coordinator Michelle Gebhart said the idea grew out of students’ interest in rebuilding a conference experience that had once been hosted in the region by a Cincinnati-based agency. “One of the things that a lot of our Hope Squad members identified as something they really valued was going to that Hope Conference,” Gebhart said. “They got to meet other Hope Squad members from other schools. So we started talking about it last year and decided to try to do one at a smaller scale here in Preble County.”

‍

Five Preble County Hope Squads participated, joined by several additional middle and high schools from outside the county, including Dixie, Lebanon, Brookville, Tippecanoe, Lakota, West Fairfield and Fairmont. In total, nearly 300 students attended from more than a dozen districts.

‍

Gebhart said students could choose from 17-18 different breakout sessions focused on topics designed “to inspire them, motivate them and get them thinking.” “We really wanted to give them a day—a day where they can increase their connections with each other, learn new skills or perspectives, and take away tools they can use,” she said. “Sometimes they don’t see the impact of helping their peers. This was a day to say, ‘We see you. What you do is important.’ ”

‍

Approximately 10-15 organizations staffed resource tables in the Connection Corner, providing information, giveaways, and support for attendees. Presenters included American Legacy Theater; Scott Osterfeld and Glenna Edwards of Miami University; Dawn Anderson-Butcher and Savannah Ballweg of The Ohio State University; NAMI; Miami Hope; the American Society for the Positive Foundation; Harold Niehaus of the Preble County ESC; Preble Arts Director Claudia Hawkins; Dan Schmidt of the BeTempered Podcast; Shawn Ruebush; Anne Romer; and Hope Squad advisors Tori Combs (Eaton High School), Kimberly Towe (Germantown Christian School) and Joy Willenbrink (University of Dayton).

‍

Gebhart credited the success of the day to the collaborative efforts of many. “This day would not have happened without my entire team and all of our advisors,” she said. “From the presenters to the organizations in the Connection Corner and all the Hope Squad advisors who helped — everyone pitched in and did their part.”

‍

Funding for the conference was provided through a donation from Cargill Cares, which made it possible to host the event free of charge for all attendees. Preble Shawnee Local Schools also provided facilities, technical assistance and lunch.

‍

“This conference could not have happened without the incredible collaboration and support of individuals and organizations in our community and beyond,” Gebhart said. “Our Hope Squad students make a difference every day by spreading connection and care in their schools, and this event was a way to give back to them.”

‍

For more information about Hope Squad programs and future events, contact the Preble County Educational Service Center or follow local Hope Squad updates on social media.

‍

Originally published at https://www.registerherald.com/2025/11/13/hope-squad-conference-brings-together-hundreds-of-students-for-peer-support/