The documentary “My Ascension” will be screened Oct. 26 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Oconto Falls High School, 210 N. Farm Road, Oconto Falls.
“My Ascension” chronicles the story of 16-year-old Dutchtown High School varsity cheerleader Emma Benoit, who was paralyzed by a suicide attempt. This propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope and stay alive. The film itself will be shown at 6:15 p.m.
“My Ascension” is a feature length documentary that highlights Benoit’s inspiring journey, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana. The film also shares the stories of two remarkable young people who tragically did not survive their attempts, and documentarians learn first-hand from their families, friends, school officials and suicide prevention experts about the devastating effects of suicide and what can be done to prevent it.
“Emma’s story captures the severity of the mental health and suicidality pandemic amongst the adolescent population in the United States,” said Saro Altinoglu, clinical director for the ROWI Teen and Parent Wellness Center. “’My Ascension’ is a serious yet uplifting story that provides hope, clarity and support to its audience from a personal perspective.”
The screening will be followed by an engaging discussion at 7:45 p.m. on youth suicide prevention and mental wellness facilitated by mental health and support professionals in our community and surrounding areas.
OFHS will also have resource tables available from 5:30-6:15 p.m. sharing important information on mental health and suicide prevention. These include booths from Emplify, Unity Hospice, Oconto County, Rogers Behavioral Health, Oconto County Sheriff’s Department, Reaching Out About Depression and Suicide, Willow Creek Behavioral Health and Northwest Journeys.
For information, contact Caitlin Payne, OFHS school psychologist, at caitlin.payne@of-ps.org or 920-848-4467, ext. 4059.
