Hope Day in Greenwich: Smashing the Mental Health Stigma, One Tulip at a Time

By Alex Jackson, GHS class of 2027

Saturday morning was cloudy but over 40 children, teenagers, and adults gathered at Greenwich High School to bring their own rays of light to Greenwich’s fifth Annual Yellow Tulip Project.

The community united in a combined effort to raise mental health awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Symbolizing resilience and unity, the Yellow Tulip Project began in 2016 after Julia Hansen, a middle schooler from Maine, lost her two best friends to suicide.

Her mission is to remember her friends by planting yellow tulips, representing happiness and hope with the ultimate goal of “smashing the stigma around mental illness.”

The turnout was considerable thanks to the participation of Kids in Crisis, Greenwich Together, Greenwich High School’s Outreach Club, and the First Selectman’s Youth Commission.

Corina Restrepo from Kids in Crisis summed it up perfectly, saying, “Our fifth annual Yellow Tulip Planting celebrates the hope and connection we can create together, one bulb and one conversation at a time.”

After the ceremony outside Greenwich High School, volunteers clad in gardening gloves and toting shovels caravaned to Riverside School, New Lebanon School, and Central Middle School to plant the bulbs.

Volunteers sprouted from all parts of the Greenwich community, including GEMS, police officers, parents, students, and educators. It was a morning of true connection and hope for a healthier community.

“It is amazing that we have these community resources,” said Greenwich High School health teacher Kathy Steiner.

State Rep Meskers (D-150) joined, saying that the Yellow Tulip Project is a “celebration of hope.”

The message is clear: you are not alone. You can always receive help using the 24/7 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988, or contact Kids In Crisis by calling 1-203-661-1911.