WEST CHESTER, PA — Sophia Fontecchio, a high school senior from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, has been honored with the third annual Youth Scholarship by the Chester County Suicide Prevention Task Force. This $1,000 scholarship is granted to high school seniors in Chester County who have made significant contributions to raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention in their schools and communities.
A Personal Mission
Fontecchio, a 2024 graduate of the Downingtown STEM Academy, became passionate about mental health and suicide prevention after losing a friend to suicide at the age of 14. This personal tragedy propelled her into advocacy, where she pushed for educational legislation on suicide prevention and mental health. She also founded a local nonprofit organization called “Let’s Bake The World A Better Place,” which raises funds through the sale of home-baked goods. Since its inception in 2021, the organization has donated over $17,000 to various local, national, and international causes. Part of these funds have been used to create and distribute mental health care packages for local teenagers.
“I am so honored to receive the scholarship. It means a lot to me since mental health awareness and suicide prevention is the reason that I started Let’s Bake the World a Better Place in 2021,” said Fontecchio, who plans to attend college in the fall.
Community and Collaboration
The Chester County Suicide Prevention Task Force aims to reduce suicide rates by increasing awareness and education. It is a collaborative effort involving the Chester County Department of Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, survivors of suicide loss, mental health professionals, educators, healthcare workers, and concerned community members.
“Students throughout Chester County have dedicated countless hours to promoting awareness and education about mental health and suicide prevention, and the Suicide Prevention Task Force Youth Scholarship was created to recognize those efforts,” said Candy Craig, Deputy Administrator for the Chester County Department of Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Future Plans
Fontecchio’s organization, “Let’s Bake The World A Better Place,” continues its mission and is currently seeking individuals to serve on its youth advisory board. This initiative aims to engage more young people in mental health advocacy and support.
The Chester County Suicide Prevention Task Force remains committed to its mission of decreasing suicide through increased awareness and education, serving as a vital resource for the community.
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