The Lebanon School District’s Aevidum Clubs, in partnership with the Lebanon County Suicide Prevention Task Force, are proud to announce the first annual Together for Tomorrow 5K. This family-friendly walk/run event aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, and raise funds for suicide prevention and student outreach within our schools and county.
The event will be held on Saturday, May 2, at the Cedar Sports Complex, located at 100 Wilhelm Street in Lebanon. This fast, flat course will ascend onto the nearby scenic Lebanon Valley Rail Trail. The race will begin at 10 a.m., and pre-race packet pickup and festivities will be held between 7:30-9:30 a.m. In the interest of family-friendly fun, activities will include a DJ, face painting, lemonade stand, and the opportunity to connect with local mental health and suicide prevention agencies. Strollers are allowed during the walk/run!
Registration fees include $15 for students (18 and under), and $30 for adults. Register by April 15th to receive a race t-shirt! Awards will be given to the top overall male and female finishers, as well as the best twinning outfits, making this event not just a race but a celebration of community and support.
Aevidum Club
Aevidum (a word derived from Latin roots meaning “I’ve got your back”) empowers students to create a culture of “acceptance, appreciation, acknowledgment, and care.” The movement began in the Lebanon School District last year when Jessica Zentner, School Counselor at the Lebanon Intermediate School, launched the first Aevidum Club. The organization’s core message of “You Matter” resonated with the student body, and the program quickly expanded. Today, Aevidum has grown from a single club into a district-wide presence, with active clubs at the Elementary, Intermediate, Junior High, and High School levels.
In the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years, participation has included 130 students involved at the Intermediate level and approximately 60 members at the Junior High. The District hopes to continue to grow participation in order to expand awareness and reach more members of the community.
Racing for a Cause
The name of the race, “Together for Tomorrow,” was brainstormed and selected by student leaders who felt it perfectly captured the essence of suicide prevention: building a supportive community today to ensure everyone has a tomorrow.
“Our goal is to establish this as an annual event that unites the community,” said M. Colleen Gergley, 7th grade ELA teacher and Junior High Aevidum Advisor. “We want students and neighbors to understand they are not alone—mental health challenges affect people we all know and care about.”
From the start, organizers sought a community partner whose mission aligned with their own. The Lebanon County Suicide Prevention Task Force was the natural choice, rooted in a shared commitment to suicide prevention and mental health advocacy, and deep ties to the local community.
“Partnering with the Aevidum Clubs was a natural fit for our mission,” said Suicide Prevention Task Force co-chair Skyler Deitrick. “‘Together for Tomorrow’ is more than just a race; it’s a reminder that prevention starts with connection. Our hope is that this becomes an annual community tradition for years to come.”
Organizers hope to raise $2,000 from this event, with proceeds being split between the Suicide Prevention Task Force, the Aevidum home organization, and the Lebanon Junior High and Intermediate School Aevidum Clubs. The Aevidum Clubs plan to use the funds for future student-led conferences and outreach, while The Suicide Prevention Task Force will use the funds for continued community outreach efforts to promote suicide awareness and prevention.
Impact and outreach
The Aevidum Clubs have already made a significant mark on Lebanon through various service projects, including:
- Giving Back: Donating over 100 pairs of socks and 300 homemade cookies to local homeless shelters.
- Spreading Kindness: Organizing “Unity Day” and “Day of Kindness” events, distributing affirmations and wristbands to peers.
- Community Care: Scheduled participation in the United Way’s Day of Caring to refurbish local playgrounds.
Meanwhile, the Suicide Prevention Task Force is made up of local volunteers, community leaders, individuals with lived experience, and family/friends of those lost to suicide. The Task Force works year round to create marketing campaigns, spread awareness, and connect the community to much needed resources. While the Task Force attends community events throughout the year, their main focus is National Suicide Prevention Month in September. Upcoming events later this year include:
- All-cash Bingo Fundraiser: Sunday, August 30th at Sacred Heart Church beginning at 1 p.m.
- Taking Action Training: September 2nd-4th, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. held at the Lebanon County MH/ID/EI office (220 E Lehman St, Lebanon).
- Remembrance Garden Re-Dedication Ceremony and Candle Lighting: Thursday, September 10th behind the Nature Barn at Stoever’s Dam (946 Miller St., Lebanon) beginning at 6 p.m. Help us celebrate 10 years of the Remembrance Garden!
- Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) Training: Thursday, September 17th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. held at the Lebanon County MH/ID/EI office (220 E Lehman St, Lebanon).
- “You Matter” Remembrance Walk: Saturday, September 26th beginning at 10 a.m. This free walk is held at Lions Lake (1820 Jay Street, Lebanon).
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal ideation, get connected today by calling Lebanon County Crisis Intervention at 717-274-3363, or by dialing 988.
