West Islip School District Celebrates 'P.S. I Love You' Day

WEST ISLIP, NY — For the 12th consecutive year, students and staff throughout the West Islip School District participated in P.S. I Love You Day, to spread the importance of mental health awareness.

Throughout the district, students and staff wore purple, hallways and doors were decorated with inspiring words and lessons on empathy and compassion were emphasized.

Founded by West Islip alumnae Brooke DiPalma and Jaimie DiPalma, P.S. I Love You Day is celebrated annually on the second Friday of February.

In 2010, DiPalma turned the tragic death of her father into an inspiring day known as P.S. I Love You Day. Since then, idea has spread, and is celebrated in other school districts and states.

Each year, participants dress up in purple and recognize a theme. The theme for this year was “One Step at a Time.”

"I want to get that hope out more that hope that that no matter what tragedy you face there's someone there for you, someone who understands you," DiPalma previously told Patch. "And there is always a light at the end of the tunnel."