Hinsdale Central has been hit with a hard shockwave as we received devastating news yesterday of the passing of Hinsdale Central Student Jack Bryan who was described by peers and teachers alike as a thoughtful and caring individual, he had a natural ability to make others feel valued and included, embodying the spirit of kindness. Jack was well-known within his school and the broader community for his friendly demeanor, and infectious smile.
Our school administration has taken the distressing path of sweeping under the rug the distressing fact of student deaths rather than confronting this issue. They anonimously acknowledge these heartrending events with impersonal, vague emails. Every student is an essential part of our community, deserving of open acknowledgement and a dignified tribute.

Silence around this topic also contributes to the stifling mental health stigma pervading our school community. The National Institute of Mental Health (2019) states that nearly 12.8% of adolescents have suffered at least one major depressive episode. It's crucial to address this health issue and offer adequate help services for our students, including counseling and dedicated support groups.

With your support, we aim to hold our school accountable. Our distinct objectives include pushing for schools to divulge full information about student deaths, providing greater transparency, and facilitating a more supportive approach to mental health.

We also want to encourage the board of education to include students in the decision-making and evaluating on policies concerning mental health. Empowering the friends of affected students can make a real difference by culminating their powerful voices and first-hand experiences into a powerful force for our cause.

Help us stand against the shadows by illuminating and taking action against such haunting incidents. Sign this petition to take this to the board and change our school's approach to mental health for the better.