Hamilton’s 2026 Build Hope Walk
All photos taken Truth Frazier.
This past Wednesday, the 21st, Hamilton had its second Build Hope Walk. At Hamilton, mental health is extremely important and is at the forefront of how Hamilton cares for its students. The Build Hope walk is an annual event hosted by the Peer Leaders program led by counselor Mrs. Hasbrook.
As a community, Hamilton High School’s staff and students participated in this event that included snacks, a “tattoo a teacher” stand, and of course, a walk on the track.
Mrs.Hasbrook, the director for both Hamilton’s Student Ambassadors and the Peer Leaders program, wanted to “create a school community event that would be easy for everyone to participate in.” Plenty of students were able to join in on this event and show out in support of mental health.
The walk itself brings people closer and creates a better sense of community; it “[reminds] everyone that we are not alone,” Hasbrook says.
As students walked the track in their Build Hope t-shirts, they were able to enjoy talking with peers and enjoying snacks provided free by the Peer Leaders program.
Bringing awareness to mental health and stigmas surrounding the topics makes it easier to reach out for help. The more Hamilton is able to come together and support each other through events like this, “the stronger we become as individuals, a school, and a community,” Hasbrook says.
Students were able to raise #3,700 with the purchases of the “Build Hope” tshirts, a portion of which will be donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Waukesha. Students were encouraged to wear their shirts or other green attire at the football game that week, further emphisising the student body's commitment to a healthy mental enviorment. With the help of Hamilton’s staff, students and Pepsi, the event was very well attended and students are looking forward to next year’s Build Hope walk!
