Students Push Up for Veterans

On Thursday, May 8, 2014, more than 300 Middle and Upper School boys joined together with military veterans to perform 22 push ups to raise awareness of a staggering statistic: 22 veterans commit suicide every day. The workout session was organized through the #22Kill program run by Honor Courage Commitment (HCC), a nonprofit that assists veterans transitioning back into society. #22Kill seeks to honor those who serve through walks, runs, bootcamps, and group workout sessions like the push up initiative. Thursday's push-up event at St. Mark's set the organization's record for total participation in a single event. 

 

Before the workout, students heard about the importance of showing support for veterans from HCC President and Marine Staff Sergeant Andrew Nguyen and HCC Director of Program Development and Marine Corporal Mike Jernigan. The two stressed that not all battle scars are physical and even the smallest show of support means a great deal to returning soldiers. Then, everyone got down and started pushing. Even the Headmaster took part, counting 22 push ups with the boys, faculty, and veterans.

 

#22Kill was introduced to St. Mark's through Julie Hersh, a mental health advocate and Psychology Today contributor. Thursday's push up challenge was organized and led by sophomores Michael Mosle and JT Graass.