Brentwood freshman campus lights up in purple for mental health awareness
Co-founder Brooke DiPalma took the stage on Feb. 12, sharing her raw, inspiring story. At just 14 years old, she and her sister Jaimie lost their father - a beloved firefighter and community leader - to suicide.
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The Brentwood freshman campus transformed into a vibrant sea of purple last week as over 700 freshmen filled the gym for a special assembly celebrating P.S. I Love You Day.
Co-founder Brooke DiPalma took the stage on Feb. 12, sharing her raw, inspiring story. At just 14 years old, she and her sister Jaimie lost their father - a beloved firefighter and community leader - to suicide.
What began as a simple act of tying purple ribbons in their West Islip basement 16 years ago has blossomed into a nationwide non-profit movement. The day, officially held every second Friday of February, urges everyone to wear purple, reach out genuinely and to remind those struggling that they are not alone.
DiPalma, now a Yahoo Finance reporter and Marist College grad, spoke directly to students about resilience, empathy, and the power of talking.
“It’s OK not to be OK,” she told the crowd, as emotional faces in the audience reflected the message’s impact.
Principal Ronaldo Latorre emphasized why this matters for freshmen. In an era of conflict, kindness builds the skills needed for life.
Freshman Monica Claros echoed that sentiment, calling it a chance to bridge divides.
The event showed how one family’s tragedy has sparked real change - from Long Island schools to Virginia, Florida and beyond.
P.S. I Love You Day isn’t just about remembrance - it’s about action. The 2026 theme, “BE THE LIGHT,” features a lighthouse symbolizing hope amid darkness.
Schools like Brentwood are leading the way, with resources at psiloveyouday.net for events, merch, and donations. DiPalma and her sister urge simple steps. Send a real check-in text, listen without judgment, and know that help exists.
“We just want to change one life—and seeing thousands embrace that is bigger than we ever imagined,” DiPalma says.
For more, visit the site or follow @psiloveyouday.
