AMSTERDAM, NY — On Monday, Dec. 9, students and educators in the Greater Amsterdam School District (GASD) experienced an unforgettable day of empowerment, empathy, and inspiration, thanks to Sweethearts & Heroes. The organization, known for its transformative approach to combatting hopelessness, bullying, and suicide, delivered dynamic presentations and hands-on workshops that emphasized the importance of human connection, compassion, and HOPE (Hold On, Possibilities Exist).
Hosted at Lynch Middle School/Lynch Literacy Academy, the event featured Sweethearts & Heroes’ core team, including Tom Murphy, the organization’s founder and director; Ret. U.S. Army Sgt. Rick Yarosh, a Purple Heart recipient and HOPE expert; and Pat Fish, director of the BRAVE Youth Leadership Program. Together, they guided GASD students and educators through engaging activities and discussions designed to foster empathy, teamwork, and action toward building a more inclusive school culture.
A Day of Impactful Learning
The day began with Sweethearts & Heroes’ signature presentation, which laid the foundation for activating HOPE in classrooms and beyond. Through storytelling, interactive demonstrations, and powerful visuals, Murphy and Yarosh challenged students to rethink the way they interact with one another and embrace their ability to create meaningful change.
Workshops included Circle, a communication method based on ancient traditions, aimed at building understanding and trust within groups. Students also participated in the BRAVE Youth Leadership Program, learning practical bully drills and leadership strategies that they can teach to younger students, creating a sustainable cycle of peer-led culture change.
“Programs like Sweethearts & Heroes reflect our commitment to fostering not just academic success, but also emotional growth and unity among our students,” said Bryan Wood, Principal of Lynch Middle School. “This event was a reminder that before we can excel in learning, we must first connect as human beings.”
A Legacy of HOPE and Action
For over 16 years, Sweethearts & Heroes has inspired more than 2.5 million students across the U.S. and Canada with their “stop, drop, and roll” approach to bullying and hopelessness. Monday’s event reinforced GASD’s dedication to ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to make a difference.
During the visit, Yarosh also shared insights from his newly released children’s book, A Bridge Named Amos, an inspiring story of overcoming challenges and celebrating empathy. The book, told from the perspective of Yarosh’s late service dog Amos, captivated the audience and underscored the importance of resilience and compassion.
Building a Culture of Empathy and Progress
The Greater Amsterdam School District’s collaboration with Sweethearts & Heroes is part of its broader mission to create a safe, inclusive environment for all students. By prioritizing initiatives like these, GASD continues to lead the way in cultivating the next generation of empathetic leaders.
For more information about Sweethearts & Heroes and their resources, visit Sweethearts & Heroes’ website.
Together, we can build a community rooted in kindness, understanding, and HOPE.
