Grades: 11-12

Length of Program: 40-60 minutes                             

Equipment needed: PC with USB Access with large display monitor. Audio Equipment for Larger rooms/audiences  

Description: 

Peter’s life was cut short at just 23 years of age, when he died by suicide on December 6, 2009, after a long and difficult battle with Bipolar 1 Disorder.  In the fall of 2011, I presented ‘Pete's Story' for the first time at Chenango Forks.  The goal of ‘Pete’s Story’ is to raise awareness and understanding about bipolar disorder and the stigma of mental illness, by sharing the experiences of Pete’s life, and his struggle.  A primary objective of Pete’s Story is to encourage others to seek help if they find themselves, a friend or a family member in trouble. Pete’s Story connects a face and a name to mental illness and provides students with a unique opportunity to learn through real-life experience.

For nearly 13 years, ‘Pete's Story’ has been shared with students in several area school districts and colleges, workshops for school counselors and social workers, and numerous community events. Joel recently retired from Link Simulation & Training and would like to devote more of my time to sharing Pete’s Story with high school and college students. Joel has presented to large group assemblies as well as individual health classes, conferences, etc., and am happy to accommodate whatever format best meets the needs of your students.   I have also met with school administration and faculty personnel prior to meeting with their students to ensure everyone is familiar with the content and objectives of Pete’s Story.

Please contact Joel Vermaat (jevmiddle@gmail.com) for additional details