Our school district has dealt with a few deaths in my four years here, some suicides. They are sad occurrences, full of grieving and memories. It can strengthen student friendships and bonds, while reminding the community we are one entity who loves each other.

But a problem arises beyond the death of a loved one. Our district quite often keeps these things quiet, tries to downplay them. Sure, they acknowledge the loss the day it happens, and then that's it. That is unfair to just about everyone. 

It is time we recognize that students are suffering daily in our district, both through daily activities and school, and in their personal day to day lives. This is not a plea to change a system, to reinvent the way students live and learn. This is a simple request; that those who we have lost, and those who we may lose be recognized. 

Acknowledging a suicide is not glorification, there is no glory in death. We want our friends to be remembered. We want our friends who are alive and hurting to know they have a way to find help, and that they are surrounded by people who love them and those who want to help them. Never in my life have I seen anyone gain a reason to commit suicide by finding a caring friend. I have dealt with many students on the verge of ending their lives, I have been there myself. No one deserves to be there. 

Help us end the deaths. Help save our friends and family from life cut short. Help the community see we are willing to work together to save those we love. Please, if not for your students, if not for your family. Do it for Adrian, do it for Cherri. Do for the countless others we have lost. Make the list of students who have taken their lives end here. Please.