The inspirational work from Bend Senior High’s Design Justice class has garnered the 2023 Sources of Strength Team Award. The honor highlights the student-led projects that connect peers to assistance with messages of hope, help, and strength. The award includes $1,000 for the class to fund more of their important work.

The Design Justice class, led by Matt Fox, focuses on being agents of change. The class’s latest project is an overdose prevention PSA on the dangers of fentanyl. Three students speak directly to their peers about the growing threat to the community and resources available to those in need. The PSA includes an interview with the Bend High School nurse about the how and why the drug is uniquely toxic.

In an ongoing effort to improve the climate and culture of Bend High, the Design Justice class has taken on projects surrounding Day of Silence, Mental Health Week, and Earth Week. The Design Justice students are influential young adults who have made a significant impact on Bend’s oldest high school. The three students in the video were invited to speak at the Oregon School-Based Health Alliance Coming Together in Community: A Youth-Adult Conference on April 27 where they shared the PSA, discussed their creative process, and talked about why they care about the topic of overdose prevention.

Sources of Strength is a district-adopted curriculum for youth-led initiatives that focus on suicide prevention and/or mental health promotion.