LoudounNow LOUDOUN COUNTY’S COMMUNITY-OWNED NEWS SOURCE
[ Vol. 2, No. 25 ]
[ loudounnow.com ]
Apr. 27 – May 3, 2017 ]
Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now
Three western Loudoun teens have taken their own lives since 2014. Now, their classmates are taking the lead to prevent other suicides. Students at three Loudoun high schools, including Woodgrove, held suicide prevention walks April 19.
Thousands of Students Walk for Suicide Prevention BY CAROLINE BORAS
L
oudoun’s youngest residents are stepping up to combat the county’s rise in teen suicides. Three Loudoun County high schools held student-led events last week meant to prompt conversations about what it will take to provide help to those struggling before they take their own lives. The We’re All Human clubs at Woodgrove, Loudoun Valley and Heritage high schools held suicide prevention walks and assemblies April 19. Students at Woodgrove started the first We’re All Human Club in late 2015 after three suicidal western Loudoun teens died in less than 18 months. They held the first suicide prevention walk and assembly in 2016 and, for the first time, were joined this year in the effort by other schools. “This is something that we started here, but something we should not singularly have at Woodgrove. … The power of a movement and what you all can
do is tremendous,” Woodgrove Principal William S. Shipp said. At Woodgrove’s assembly, We’re All Human members spoke about their struggles with depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges, and how involvement in the club has helped them work to overcome them. “This group inspires me to be my best
self at all times, and my outlook on life has become so positive,” said senior Katie Brantingham, who joined We’re All Human after last year’s assembly. She said joining encouraged her to get the help she needed and “ultimately saved my life.” It wasn’t just students who spoke at the assembly. Track coach and psychology
Wexton’s Decision to Run for Congress has Democrats Hopeful BY DANIELLE NADLER State Senator Jennifer Wexton made big waves in political circles late last week when she announced that she will challenge Congresswoman Barbara Comstock for the 10th District seat. The election is still a year-and-a-half out, but already party leaders are not-
ECRWSS Postal Customer May 31,
ing what’s on the line: If Wexton wins, she will be the first Loudoun County resident to represent the 10th Congressional District and the first Democrat to hold the seat since 1980. Wexton, an attorney and Leesburg resident, said she’s considered runWEXTON >> 42
teacher Kent Staneart told the audience about his own struggles with clinical depression. “I remember a day when I was going through this intense depression,” he said. “I had a couple books sitting across the room that I had to make a lesson plan ALL HUMAN >> 43
State Sen. Jennifer Wexton (D-33) at a 100WomenStrong event on April 19. Renss Greene/ Loudoun Now
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