After a classmate’s failed suicide attempt, Souderton High School’s Thomas Fedesco knew something had to be done.
The high school senior brought his concerns to school administrators and launched Project R U OK? – a student-led initiative aimed at making mental health resources more visible, accessible, and supported. Project R U OK has since grown into a full-blown advocacy movement, now getting statewide attention.
Fedesco was joined by classmates Adelina Cutrona, Reece Pirrone, Isabella Padilla, Samantha Stankus, and Noah Carroll, who helped push the initiative forward. The students recently met with Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, who praised their initiative and encouraged them to take their advocacy further.
On Tuesday, they’re headed to Harrisburg to meet with lawmakers, including Congresswoman Milou Mackenzie, and State Senators Jarrett Coleman and Tracy Pennycuick. Their goal? Secure long-term funding and broader implementation of mental health support programs, such as QPR training, dedicated counselors provided by Lakeside Counseling, and classroom seminars through NAMI.
“The goal is longevity,” Fedesco said. “We want to set in a program that every student in the coming years can rely on.”
The students highlighted how many existing school programs go underutilized simply due to a lack of awareness. Their efforts have already prompted Souderton to expand mandatory mental health training beyond just freshman year.
Tragically, their advocacy comes just days after the successful suicide of another student – a heartbreaking reminder of how urgent this work remains.
The students hope to formalize their initiative as an organization that can serve other school districts across Pennsylvania.
As their message spreads across districts and hallways, these Souderton High School students are turning loss into leadership—and lighting the way for others.
June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Discover how you can provide support in your community and combat stigma at NAMI.
