Some of the students of Bernardo Heights Middle School showcased their work in mental health and student support to Rep. Scott Peters on Nov. 7.

The students, former and current members of the school’s Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Promise Club (part of the Sandy Hook Promise program) and the Mental Health Awareness Club spoke on their work in making students feel more accepted at school to Peters and members of the Poway Unified School District Board of Education, as well as BHMS and district staff.

Students spoke about their work in programs like “Start With Hello” and “See Something, Say Something,” as well as the SAVE Promise Club partnering with other clubs and organizations at BHMS.

“Start With Hello” is one of the “Know the Signs” programs promoted by the Sandy Hook Promise intended to help prevent gun violence by teaching children and adults to identify, intervene and get help for people who are at risk of harming themselves or others.

The students in the SAVE Promise Club said they encouraged their fellow students to introduce themselves to someone who was sitting alone, sit with them and it could potentially turn into a friendship.

The effort has shown success, as students have reported seeing a change since the program began, according to a club member. Students said they have not seen as many people left sitting alone on the stairs or eating lunch alone since they began their “Start With Hello” program.

The club members are also planning future events to expand “Start With Hello” even further, including making a short film using a drone that will feature students spelling out the word hello with their bodies and planning a scavenger hunt, where participating students will be split into random teams (to encourage them to get to know students they are not already friends with) to complete tasks to collect the letters of the word hello.