Tripton and Pretrishen Assembly

Pitt Panther Football Players Share a Message of Hope

By Phil Walsh

Tre Tipton came to Burrell High School on December 22 to give an inspiring message to the students that touched many students. Tre along with Johnny Petrishan told their stories about their struggles with mental health. Tre told stories about the lows in his life, and how he dealt with his mental health. Tre told the story of the turning point in his life, when he was in an intensive care unit surrounded by people fighting for their lives; this made him realize that he needs to value his own life more. Tre’s message resonated with a lot of students such as Junior Gabriel Baker who said, “I know how it feels to be him because I have lost people, and I have been in that situation where my friends and I have had unhealthy thoughts in the past. He helped me realize that life is important and you should never be in that situation because you could hurt others. He made my heart burst with feeling and knowledge.” Another Junior, Antonio Cook-Tilman, a football player like Tre and Johnny said, “It touched my soul. It was inspiring because of all the adversity they had to go through and all they had to overcome because they still were able to do what they wanted to do.” Tre and Johnny gave a great assembly and really showed the students mental health doesn't have to be a taboo subject. Dr.Boylan had this to say about these gentlemen, "I thought the message that Tre Tipton and John Petrishen delivered was powerful, timely and most importantly, authentic. I could not be more proud of two student-athletes from the Alle-Kiski Valley. Two fine young men who can influence so many young people! "