CARY, N.C. (WTVD) — Life under the Friday night lights are often just focused on winning the game. However, the game with Green Level High School and Panther Creek, the football team wanted to win the minds and hearts of their peers.<\/p>\n
Friday night’s homecoming game was a blackout with students teachers and guests wearing black NAMI t-shirts. The game was also significant because Panther Creek, just lost a student to suicide last week.<\/p>\n
Staff recognize teens are trying to balance activities, school work, social media, and friends.<\/p>\n
“It can feel like a lot of pressure and so a lot of students will. The end up isolated instead of reaching out to other people,” said Green Level Teacher Chris Sponaugle.<\/p>\n
The event was Green level’s second annual Mental Health Awareness Football game.<\/p>\n
Last year, then senior, Austin Conway started the event to spark mental health conversations using the teams’ powerful platform.<\/p>\n
NAMI Wake County passed out 500 resource bags with a t-shirt, journal, encouraging note, and bracelet. The group also hosted events throughout the week to share resources and information with students.<\/p>\n
“I just know if some if one person can be helped by this, you know, it’s important. I know there are people who struggle, so even just getting one person to help,” said senior student organizer Jackson Evans.<\/p>\n
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for North Carolina youth ages 10-18.<\/p>\n