Last November, the PV community was devastated when Jack Farrell took his own life.

Farrell, then a PV senior, was well-liked by his peers and teachers alike. His suicide came as a shock to everyone who knew him.

The next morning, PV’s halls were quiet. Tears streamed down the faces of the members of the senior class and teachers broke down while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy amid the chaotic silence.

Following this loss, the 2016-2017 graduating class began to participate in The Society for the Prevention of Suicide’s You Are Not Alone campaign. The PV hockey team made special jerseys with the suicide prevention colors–turquoise and purple–to wear for their game at the Prudential Center. The lacrosse team, which Farrell had played for, made similar jerseys for their senior night.

This year, the school community sought to ensure that this tragedy does not strike again. Last week was Suicide Prevention Week and the staff in the Wellness Center let teens know they were not alone.

Announcements were made every day detailing warning signs and facts about suicide, and students were asked to wear purple and turquoise on Thursday for suicide awareness. In addition, the Executive Council raffled off two parking spots and all of the money raised was donated to Suicide Prevention and Awareness. The Our Minds Matter club, which is designed to promote mental health awareness, held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday during lunch.

For anyone experiencing depressive or suicidal thoughts, there are resources available.

School Psychologist Dr. Steven Meyers and Student Assistance Counselor Ms. Christie Rossig are available in the Wellness Center at all times during the school day. Outside of school, anyone experiencing these feelings can call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Both the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide offer information and help for teenagers, parents, and educators.