‘It’s going to save lives’: George County School District implementing Hope Squad

The George County School Board is prioritizing students’ mental health by implementing Hope Squad, a student-led, peer-to-peer counseling organization.

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The goal is to encourage peers to talk with Hope Squad members about their mental health.

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George County will be offering the program in four different elementary schools, along with the middle and high schools.

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Four South Mississippi school districts have already implemented the program: the Jackson County School District, the Ocean Springs School District, the Moss Point School District, and the Pascagoula-Gautier School District.

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George County Schools Student and Alternative Services Director Sid Taylor said this is an opportunity to be proactive in the classroom.

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“I think it’s going to save lives, and I think if it saves one life, it was worth it,” said Taylor.

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“Everyone knows that the mental health crisis is a real thing. We want to get in front of this and make sure our students are taken care of and that we just save lives. We want to save our children’s lives.”

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The George County District is working on the professional development schedule to have staff trained by Hope Squad officials.

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Originally published at https://www.wlox.com/2025/07/31/its-going-save-lives-george-county-school-district-implementing-hope-squad/

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