SST To Host Connor's Climb Suicide Prevention Event In Exeter

EXETER, NH — The Seacoast School of Technology is getting ready to host the seventh annual event to benefit suicide prevention and education. Next week's Connor's Climb is a partnership with the Connor's Climb Foundation, named after 14-year-old Exeter High School freshman who died of suicide in 2012. It is taking place Saturday, May 4, and will feature a family 5K and walk, as well as a kids' run.

The event is taking place at SST, located at 40 Linden St., Exeter. Check-in will be at 8 a.m., and the race will start at 9 a.m. The walk will begin at 9:05 a.m., and a kids' fun run will take place at 10 a.m.

The Connor's Climb Foundation was started in 2012 by Tara Holmes Ball, after her son Connor died of suicide. She is now one of the lead advocates for suicide prevention in the state, according to SST. She and her team work to raise awareness and provide education for youth suicide prevention throughout New Hampshire. Since 2012, Connor's Climb suicide prevention program has drawn participation by more than 30,000 students and 700 adults, according to a statement from SST.

"The race is a vital part of the work Connor's Climb Foundation does because it brings together so many people who are key to reducing stigma and preventing suicide in New Hampshire," Ball said in a statement. "When our youth, families, educators, loss survivors, community leaders and other stakeholders gather, they aren't there just to run the race, they're there to build a stronger community that recognizes mental health is no different, or less important, than physical health. They are helping change the conversation and they are saving lives. Seeing so many members of our community embrace this cause, for seven years now, reinforces the importance of this work."

In past years, Connor's Climb had taken place at Exeter High School and then at YMCA. With desire to bring the event back to the local schools, the foundation has partnered with SST to host this year's event. More than 50 SST volunteers will participate this year, including students from culinary arts, who have prepared baked goods, and students from digital media arts, who created signs for the event.

"The work the Connor's Climb Foundation is doing every day is something that we as educators, parents, students and community members can really rally behind," said SST Principal Margaret Callahan in a statement. "We're honored to be able to host the 5K this year to help bring awareness to suicide prevention efforts and ultimately save lives."Those who wish to register for this year's event may visit connorsclimb.org.