Sweethearts and Heroes program brings message to Mayfield

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The effects of the pandemic have presented students across the country with tremendous social and emotional obstacles, but the nationally renowned program Sweethearts & Heroes visited Mayfield schools to help.

Sweethearts & Heroes, a student empowerment and empathy activation team, brought its powerful messages to the Mayfield Central School District the week of April 25, visiting both school buildings.

The Sweethearts & Heroes presentation focused on “Empathetic Fitness” and HOPE (Hold On, Possibilities Exist!) with an aim at preventing bullying and suicide. 

Tom Murphy, director and co-founder of Sweethearts & Heroes, was joined by teammates Pat Fish and Rick Yarosh. Yarosh is a retired sergeant with the U.S. Army — injured in Iraq with burns over most of his body — who gives messages about overcoming adversity.

In addition to the larger assemblies, Mayfield students participated in an activity called Circle, which is based on the ancient ritual of sitting in a circle to communicate and build empathy. 

“Circle is about building a support network for students in all grades, so that when they are struggling with social and emotional obstacles, they will have the resources necessary to manage those struggles,” Murphy said.