The simple act of saying "hello" can have a tremendous effect on children and young people who feel left out, lonely or invisible in their community.

Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), the gun violence prevention organization founded in the days following 12/14, has created a proven program that schools and community organizations can implement where students can learn how to create and sustain an inclusive community. The free program, called "Start With Hello," teaches students the skills they need to reach out and include those who may be dealing with chronic social isolation and create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their communities.

From February 8 to 12, SHP held its annual Start With Hello Call-to-Action week, with more than 360,000 students in grades 2-12 practicing inclusion through engaging, weeklong activities. Nearly 600 schools nationwide participated. To galvanize the schools to be creative and involve the community as a whole, a contest was held. On May 19, SHP announced that Broadview Middle School in Danbury had won the grand prize of $10,000.

Christine Miller, social skills counselor at Broadview, said the school was honored to hear of the award.

"Start with Hello, like Say Something, was so simple and yet so powerful, that it took on a life of its own," Ms Miller said. "Our students had questions, concerns and ideas, and these programs gave them answers and a platform to make a difference. Our student leaders organized a week of activities and celebrations that had a ripple effect throughout our school and beyond.

"The message of Start With Hello - kindness and inclusion - has had a lasting effect that is now part of our school culture," she added.

Madison Youth Group from Rexburg, Idaho, was the runner up, impressing the judging panel with the way Start With Hello was promoted throughout the community.

"Here in Madison School District, the Start With Hello campaign was a natural fit," stated Jessica Goudy, communications, events and PR director for Madison School District 321. "The ideas and implementation were so easy that we had no problem getting support from each of our schools. Once implementation happened, it spread like wildfire and numerous stories poured in about how one simple hello was not just changing someone's day, but impacting the school climate for the better."

In addition, the following schools received an honorable mention for their efforts with the program: Adlai-Stevenson PreK-8, Cleveland, Ohio; Green Local Schools, Green, Ohio; John A. Ferguson High School in Miami; Lincoln-Titus Elementary, Crompond, N.Y.; Lopez Elementary, Fort Collins, Colo.; Pembroke Elementary, Danbury; Poland (Ohio) Local Schools; and Stratford (Conn.) High School.

Social isolation is the overwhelming feeling of being left out, lonely or treated like you are invisible. It is a growing epidemic in the United States and within schools. Excessive feelings of isolation can even be associated with violent and suicidal behavior.

According to SHP, one study reports that chronic loneliness increases the risk of an early death by 14 percent. In addition, young people who are isolated can become victims of bullying, violence and/or depression. As a result, many further pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development, and may choose to hurt themselves or others.

Mark Barden, managing director of Sandy Hook Promise and father of 7-year-old Daniel Barden, who was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School, said, "We hear stories from many young people who say a simple 'hello' is enough for a kid who is always left out to feel noticed and valued.

"Reaching out to and including young people who are chronically isolated can help them in many ways, including from hurting themselves or others," Mr Barden added. "Start With Hello teaches our young people how to notice and reach out to each other. Reducing social isolation starts with our young people and we can empower them to build connections and help others in their classrooms, schools and communities."

The last national training week that Sandy Hook Promise held for its Say Something program was in October 2015. The program trained more than 200,000 students across the country on how to recognize warning signs and signals from their peers, especially in social media, and tell a trusted adult. The free training received positive feedback from participants and also helped avert a potential tragedy at a school in Cincinnati.