In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Newtown High School’s lacrosse programs, in conjunction with 15 For Life, a foundation created to open dialogue about depression and mental health — with a strong Newtown connection — held a special ceremony on May 13.

Prior to the Newtown High varsity boys’ team game against Norwalk under the lights at Blue & Gold Stadium, Newtown’s own Jeff Kavovit, along with representatives of the Nighthawk lacrosse program, spoke to fans to help spread the mission of 15 For Life.

The Number 15 has long had special meaning for the Kavovit family since there was one girl and five boys when the siblings were growing up together. Jeff Kavovit’s brother, and lacrosse standout Rob Kavovit, took his life after battling silent depression in silence.

According to the 15 For Life website: “The Kavovit Family funneled their grief into opening the dialogue around depression and mental matters. Our mission is to shed the shame around needing help and normalizing the conversation around mental health by creating awareness so that our loss may help others.”

Prior to the NHS game, Jeff Kavovit and family, including Kathryn and Veronica, stood on the field and Jeff addressed the crowd with a goal of making a difference in someone’s life. People may be suffering from depression without others knowing it.

“Give them a hello — you might change their world,” Kavovit said during his speech.

Kavovit thanked the fans in attendance, along with both the high school lacrosse players and youth lacrosse athletes on hand to be a part of this important message, for their support. “We’re all stronger when we unite as one,” Kavovit said.

“This means the world to our family and to our mission,” he added. “Our mission is to shed the shame around needing help and normalizing the conversation around mental health by creating awareness so that our loss may help others,” Kavovit said.

Kavovit thanked Newtown High School athletics officials and coaches and parent Tricia Ruddy, who organized the event. Prior to the boys’ varsity game was a day full of varsity and junior varsity girls’ and boys’ action with free admission to the games but fundraising efforts unfolding in the stands with the help of Newtown’s lacrosse athletes and families. He called the Saturday of lacrosse and awareness about 15 For Life a template for future fundraising/awareness events at other schools.

Anthony Fitti, coach of the NHS varsity boys’ lacrosse team, said that in connection with 15 For Life he asks players to spend 15 seconds a day or 15 minutes each week thinking about themselves and others and keeping communication open and dialogue going.

“You never know who needs it. You never know who’s struggling, and you never know the difference you can make,” Fitti said.

Junior lacrosse player Kyle Ruddy read the 15 For Life mission statement and said a few words about why he has stepped up to encourage his teammates to communicate and take mental health seriously.

“I strongly believe that everyone, no matter what their age, should be talking about mental health,” Ruddy said.

Rob Kavovit, who was a standout lacrosse player and one of the top point-getters at Syracuse University, left behind a family. Jeff Kavovit is hopeful spreading the 15 For Life message will help prevent this from happening to others.

Kavovit told The Bee after his speech that “there is so much stress and pressure on everybody today,” and added: “Our motto is it’s OK not to be OK.”

“Do not be afraid to ask for help,” Kavovit concluded.

The website 15forlife.org includes information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline as well as a listing of websites and phone numbers for people who need help.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.