Student Suicide at Lake Forest High School

Ashleigh PiguschJudy Pike

Thaddeus Sherman

Lake Forest High School Overview

• Predominately White- 91% student, 99% staff• Attendance Rate: 96%• Dropout rate: virtually non-existent- 0.1%• Graduation rate: 95%• VERY academically driven

Student Suicide Crisis• 2 confirmed suicides

– William: 15 year old freshman• Dropped off at school and

never went to class– Fraid: 15 year old sophomore

• Also never made it to class after getting dropped off

– Both stuck by Metra train• 1 unconfirmed suicide

– Ed: 18 year old senior– Father really monitoring

information – Also struck by Metra train

• Police say deaths are not connected

• Happened within 3 months

• At scene evidence at each suggested they intentionally stepped in front of on coming train

• Community very hush hush about mental illness

Resources in the School

• Currently: – Have grief counselors on

staff– School Psychologist– Social Worker– Counselors

• New Developments– Community Task Force

• Includes parents, students, and mental health pros from Northwestern/LF Hospital

– Teachers, Staff, and Personel getting “Gatekeeper Training”• Helps recognize signs of

depression and what to do– Group of student leaders

already received “Erika’s Lighthouse Training”

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 another• LEAD

– Strong Families, Healthy Youth– Provide parents support and education on numerous subjects