Two Southington Chalker High School seniors, Erica Westenfelder and Colleen Castle, won first place in the Trumbull County Suicide Prevention PSA contest for their video addressing the impact of isolation and the importance of seeking help.

The winners were surprised with the announcement at a press conference at Southington Chalker High School, where they were recognized for their efforts to spark important conversations about mental health.

The PSA contest, organized by the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board, asked high school students to create a video that raises awareness about suicide prevention and encourages students to support their peers.

For Westenfelder and Castle, this project was deeply personal. They said many students feel pressure to have their lives together and struggle to open up when they feel overwhelmed. Their PSA delivers a simple but powerful message: “It’s okay not to be okay.”

Castle said she has known people who have struggled with suicidal thoughts, making this issue especially important to her. She hopes their video helps students understand that there is always someone willing to listen.

Westenfelder added that many teens hesitate to ask for help because they feel they’ll fail if they do, but she wants them to know that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

The contest was designed to give students the platform to speak directly to their peers in a way that resonates with them. Katie Cretella, Director of Clinical Services at the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board, said youth-led efforts like this are effective because students listen to one another more than they do adults.

She also noted that social media can contribute to feelings of isolation, making it even more important for students to check in on their friends and build real-life connections.

Beyond the contest, students and mental health professionals agree that small actions—checking in on a friend, offering support, or simply listening—can make a life-changing impact.