After the suicide of 15 year old Nathan Bruno there was a noticeable hole left in the life of everyone he came into contact with. Especially his closest friends. It was in the days after his passing that one of his friends first used the phrase “Be Great For Nate” and since then it has become less of a saying and is now a way of life for so many.

Nathan was funny, he had lots of friends, a loving family, good social bonds, was involved in sports and had a foundation of faith.

He lived with his loving and committed father that was always someone Nathan could talk to and lean on for support.

Nathan had no mental illness and his toxicology was clean, he did not fit the mold of who society expects would be at risk of taking their own life.

Even with all of this support Nathan still went through an emotional heart attack that caused his suicide.

Within a week of Nathans passing Rick Bruno was sitting at the funeral home making arrangements and a gentlemen asked who he wanted any money that came in made out to. While it was a kind and generous offer ,Rick was a bit surprised and did not feel comfortable using anyone else’s money for anything personal so he said they can make it out to The Nathan Bruno Memorial Fund and he would use any money that came in to help support the youth in the community somehow and maybe something could be learned from this situation. As Rick worked through deep grief the money kept coming in.

In April of 2018 Owen Ross, Connor Perry and Lucas Noreau wanted to make an impact and make some changes in memory of Nathan. Soon after The Every Student Initiative was formed, a youth led suicide prevention group that aims to create a culture of connection. From there the rest of the original members would be added. 

In June of 2018 Rick Bruno decided he wanted to turn the Nathan Bruno Memorial Fund into a non profit called Be Great For Nate. The Every Student Initiative would then go on to be the first program of the non profit.

In the summer of 2019 Be Great For Nate Inc. was granted tax-exemption 501(C)(3) status, making it an official non-profit organization. 

So much progress has been made since the phrase “be great for Nate” was said for the first time in February of 2018, but there is still so much that we need to do in order to accomplish the goals we have set.

To empower youth by providing healthy social emotional development and support within their community.

To prevent youth suicide through education, awareness and action.

Integrity: Carry out our work with greatest responsibility and accountability

Respect: To treat all people with dignity and respect

Connection: Developing emotional bonds and interactions

Creativity: Instill our work with imagination and innovation

Learning: Willingness to learn, strive to be great and continually improve

Diversity: Capitalize on the richnesses in inherent differences 

Service: Be of benefit to the community

Attitude: Right attitude is the key to our success individually and as a group

Humility: Do unto others as you would want them to do to you