Abacoa & Alton Neighbors May 2020

16 Abacoa &Alton N E I G H B O R S | M a y 2 0 2 0 Simon Baker, #10, was an honor student, athlete, an artist, a humanitarian, and an amazing friend. Simon was caring and would put others first and took pride in being a student athlete. Teammates and friends did not understand the struggles he was going through and while they wish Simon would have talked to someone about it, they understand it is not easy to see the signs. We now believe that Simon suffered from what is known as “smiling depression”. It is proven that individuals who suffer from this are most likely to die by suicide. “Everybody knows that depression exists and that it is everywhere, but not enough people know how to detect it and help those in need”. - Friend of Simon Baker. In addition, there is a stigma associated with mental health and those that suffer from it are embarrassed to seek help. Simon was passionate about helping others and this is why ACES (Athletics, Community and Education) Jupiter have dedicated this initiative to #10 Simon Baker. “Through sports, athletes learn how to persevere from failure, sacrifice, and fairness. Jupiter High Athletes are also at the top of their respective classes, take high level AICE and AP cours- es, and volunteer the time they have left to multiple local organizations. Jupiter High School Athletes are natural leaders and looked up to by their peers. Students are more likely to speak freely to those their own age rather than a teacher or coach. Students also have access to oth- ers’ social media pages, especially Snapchat, to see what others are saying or thinking behind closed doors. Jupiter High School athletes are committed to helping those who may be isolated, showing signs of mental health issues and may just need a friend to talk with”. - Jupiter ACES Club Members We will work to eliminate the stigma of mental illness through education, communication and pro- active brain health. In addition, we will be providing a scholarship in Simon Baker’s name. Simon Baker’s legacy of helping others and selflessness will live on through many lives that will be impact- ed by the work of his friends, teammates and family. Working Together to End the Stigma of Mental Health At Jupiter High School Scan the QR Code to donate to the Simon Lee Baker ACES Scholarship S T U D E N T A C E S , I N C .