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Ashleigh PiguschJudy Pike

Thaddeus Sherman

Student Suicide at Lake Forest High School

District Mission: “To inspire the passion to learn, the

insight to know oneself and the courage to make a difference.” 

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Lake Forest High School Overview

College Going Culture•100% of students graduate•97% enter college following high school graduation

*Staff Demographics: 95% White, 4% Asian

Illinois School Report Card (2010)

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Student Suicide Crisis

3 unrelated deaths in 3 months – all struck by Metra train

2 confirmed suicides Farid: 15 year old sophomore

Dropped off at school and did not go to class William: 15 year old freshman

Dropped off at school by Mom; did not go to class On football team

1 unconfirmed death; under investigation- possible suicide Ed: 18 year old senior Son of Lake Forest College President

Evidence suggests each student intentionally stepped in front of an on coming train

“In the North Shore area, kids are defined by academic and athletic success. Not every kid is going to fit into that mold. Mental health issues are relatively taboo.” – NorthShore University HealthSystem

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Resources in the Community

Lake Forest Hospital Associated with Northwestern Provides Counseling, Mental Health Education and Support

Groups CROYA

Committee Representing Our Young Adults Lake Forest has a very active chapter Provides a “safe place” for young adults to come together and

talk openly with one anotherLEAD

Strong Families, Healthy Youth Support and education for parents about teen depression,

underage drinking and other risky behaviorNational Suicide Hotlines – 24 hours a day/7 days a

week Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK

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Addressing Student and Community Needs

Students

Parents

Lake Forest Community

Commuters on train and Metra employees

School Staff

Prevention program for new students each year

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Crisis Intervention Plan for Students:Resources in the School

New Developments: IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING

CRISIS1)Drop-in counseling center for

students, parents & staff2)School Counselor-led classroom

group crisis intervention w/ story sharing for all students

- assess for students that need individualized services

LONG TERM

3) “Gatekeeper Training” for staff (recognize signs of depression & learn suicide intervention skills)

• Community Task Force- wellness fund & collaboration with community

• Erika’s Lighthouse – student leaders trained for teen panel

• SADD Depression Awareness Week- “Erasing the Distance”, Namaste Day

• Remembrance support group, Annual Wellness Walk

Pre-Crisis Resources:• Counselors• School Psychologist• Social Worker• Trained Grief Counselors

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Student Case Study

Dear Will, How were you pushed far enough to take your life by jumping in front of a

train?! I remember my first “baby crush” in first grade and how embarrassed I was when you found out that I “liked” you, but you “liked” me too and we became friends and reading partners. I keep thinking about old memories when things were simpler. Now even though it has been a month, it will still just hit me out of nowhere and I just want to sit here in class and cry.

Last time I saw you after the football game, you and your friends were wearing fake mustaches, which I complimented. You smiled. That’s my last memory. I knew about the bullying, but I never thought you were so unhappy. I never thought you were one to give up. I can’t even imagine how your family feels.

I can’t stop imagining it happening. It runs through my mind a few times a day. I just don’t understand how you made up your mind to do it. How you couldn’t handle it anymore. I can’t even describe how much I hate the people who drove you to this.

I wish I could have changed your mind. I’ll miss the sense of knowing you are still here.

Love, Briana

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/drew-ferraro?before=1328984899

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Crisis Plan(Interventions) for Briana

Prevention Positive, strong and trusting relationship with her school

counselor Participation in a group curriculum class instruction by

the school counselor on grief, loss, effective coping strategies, or even school crisis awareness (including suicide)

Intervention Individual grief/loss counseling with her school counselor. Participation in an 8-16 week grief/loss support group

Post-vention Participation in an Annual Wellness Walk/Walkathon http://www.erikaslighthouse.org/Walkathon/

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Crisis Plan Assessment/Follow-up

Assessement Track percentage of student body utilizing counseling

services 100% participation in Erika’s Lighthouse Increased participation in community resources like

CROYA

Follow-up/Post-vention Erika’s Lighthouse/Red Flag program Classroom instruction/guidance lesson Small support group offering

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Questions/Comments

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