The word "aevidum" was coined by students at Cocalico High School after the death of a classmate in 2003. The term, derived from the Latin root word for life, is used by students as a reassuring phrase to let others know someone has their back. "Aevidum" is one of many efforts made by students and teachers at Cocalico High School to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.

Since its inception in 2003, Aevidum has taken shape as a nonprofit organization and extracurricular club present in more than 300 schools in Pennsylvania, and it continues to expand across the country. Members of Penn Manor School District's Aevidum club meet three to four times every month to share ideas and discuss ways to make students in the community feel appreciated and accepted.

Every year, Aevidum highlights a specific theme to serve its goal of advocating for suicide prevention among youths. This year, the theme is "Amplify Aevidum," and it seeks to help students strengthen their voices and talents to demonstrate to others that someone is looking out for them. "We want to make sure everyone knows that it's OK to not be OK," said Danielle Croft, a teacher at Marticville Middle School and an adviser for Aevidum. Several Marticville Middle School students serve on Aevidum's youth advisory board, which comprises members from across the state.

Aevidum members are heavily involved with many local community events to spread the organization's message. In October 2023, 25 students and Maria Vita, Penn Manor High School's Aevidum club adviser, joined Croft in walking in the annual homecoming parade at Millersville University. Aevidum also organizes an annual conference to engage its members, provide suicide prevention training and encourage students to propel the movement in their schools and local communities. The Amplify Aevidum Conference was held in November 2023 in Bethlehem, and it featured student advisory board members Cole Hoyt and Alivia Green from Marticville Middle School as keynote speakers.

"The number of students I notice struggling with anxiety and depression has increased every year at astronomical rate," Croft said. "It's important that the youth are educated on it to take the shame away from mental illness. Oftentimes, it's the invisible illness - but that doesn't make it any less important."

In addition to attending local events, student members of Aevidum organize their own activities to raise funds and to engage the Penn Manor community. The group is currently planning its annual 5K event in May, although a location has not been determined yet.

For more information, visit https://aevidum.org or email Croft at danielle.croft@pennmanor.net.