Oliver Kolb, Luna Tusques, and Moxie Moore
12th Grade
Claremont High School
Tri-City
New Leaf is an animation that aims to educate about the signs of suicide, from a perspective we all know—nature. Weights of mental health struggles may feel like leaves piling up, frustration due to depression may feel like vines with thorns, and not being able to see the brightness of your future may be like being blinded by tall weeds. Even though all these feelings are overwhelming on your own, a little help from friends makes all the difference. Piles of leaves can blow away, vines can be cut, and weeds parted—just like a friend can be there for you to emotionally vent, verbally support, and physically hug. This displays both the themes of being the one to reach out and being the one to know the signs, as elaborated by the criteria. The vital hashtag is included at the end, as all the characters come together, and the end screen displays necessary resources. The symbolism used to elaborate the signs of suicide are essential to the core of this project, as it elucidates such a difficult topic to navigate in a sensitive and relatable way. Together, we can love, learn, and grow. We can turn over a new leaf.
