Twin Falls, Idaho – A remarkable initiative led by a senior at Twin Falls High School is making strides in raising awareness about suicide prevention and mental health through an unexpected avenue – pickleball.
Tejay Holstine, a senior at Twin Falls High School, has encountered profound loss at a young age. “So, I lost my grandpa to suicide about eleven years ago, and then this past 18 months I’ve lost two [more] childhood friends to suicide,” Holstine shared.
Motivated by these heartbreaking experiences, Holstine embarked on a mission to honor his late friends and grandfather through a pickleball tournament, a unique approach to tackle mental health challenges. He aptly named this endeavor “Project A.C.E,” an acronym representing Asking, Caring, and Encouraging – the core pillars of his mission.
“The ‘A’ stands for asking, like asking loved ones if they are feeling suicidal and stuff. The ‘C’ stands for care and showing [people] that you care for them and want to give them help. And [‘E’] encourage is to encourage them to go get professional help to help them,” Holstine explained.
Tejay’s pickleball tournament featured an array of mental health advocacy booths staffed by professionals, offering valuable resources to attendees. These resources aimed to equip individuals with knowledge about where to seek help during mental health emergencies.
Notably, the proceeds generated through vendor participation were directed towards the Optimal Brain Center of Idaho, with the Business Professionals of America (BPA) stepping in to fund counseling services for children and families within the Twin Falls School District.
Jessie Williams, one of the enthusiastic participants, expressed the significance of events like this, emphasizing that discussing the shared challenges of mental health during difficult times allows individuals to connect and relate to one another better. The pickleball tournament not only served a great cause but also provided an opportunity for participants to enjoy the sport.
Holstine’s initiative successfully attracted 60 passionate “pickleballers” who formed 30 two-person teams across three skill-based brackets. Each player received a “Jake Duck,” a rubber duck adorned with messages of positivity, named in memory of Jake Bowman, the valedictorian of Filer High School in 2022, who tragically lost his life to suicide.
Tejay Holstine’s dedication to planning and executing this event showcases a level of commitment and maturity that goes beyond the typical high school senior project. He tackled this challenge head-on, organizing an exceptional event with a profound purpose – merging the world of sports with mental health awareness.
