District officials are launching a suicide prevention effort at New Canaan High School this week that will include a special message delivered prior to the Rams’ football home opener on Friday.
On Wednesday, NCHS will introduce the concept of “We Don’t Worry Alone,” according to an email that Principal Bill Egan sent Tuesday afternoon to the school community.
“We believe it’s an important message for everyone, reminding students that no matter the size of their problems, they don’t have to face them alone,” the email said.
The initiative follows the untimely passing of a beloved NCHS senior. School counselors continue to work with students seeking support, and this week will “introduce the theme and emphasize the importance of reaching out for help, supporting each other in times of distress, and overcoming barriers to seeking assistance,” Egan said in the email. “They will also guide students on how to respond if a peer asks for help.”
And at 6:45 p.m. Friday at Dunning Stadium—15 minutes prior to the scheduled kickoff versus Masuk—T-shirts designed by NCHS will be distributed, featuring a traditional New Canaan logo in purple on yellow shirts with “We Don’t Worry Alone” on the back.
“Students will be asked to wear these shirts at Friday’s football game, and extras will be available for everyone attending,” Egan said in the email.
The message of togetherness will be “echoed at other community gatherings throughout the year,” he said.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bryan Luizzi also referred to the T-shirts in an email sent Sunday to the New Canaan Public Schools community.
The district “has been working closely with local organizations and our community since this tragedy, and several programs are being developed that focus on suicide prevention and mental health support for our youth,” Luizzi said in the email.
Noting the ways that many in town have honored the memory of the deceased student, a hockey player and longtime member of the sport’s tight-knit community, Luizzi added that research shows it’s important to avoid unintentionally glorifying youth suicide, “especially with younger members of our community.”
“The outpouring of support has reflected the beauty and strength of New Canaan,” he said in his email. “At the same time, as difficult as it may be, we must now focus on prevention in our language and our actions, as research teaches us this is the best way to ensure we are not inadvertently contributing to any potential contagion.”
Two years ago, Darien experienced three deaths among teenage boys and athletes, including two suicides—a run that left the town reeling and ultimately brought residents together in comprehensive suicide prevention and mental health destigmatization efforts.
Luizzi opened his email by thanking those who have shows support for the NCPS community, and closed by saying, “The outpouring of love and support shown during these difficult days has made a positive difference for us all, and I am confident it will be what helps us through.”
Egan said in his email that while “nothing can replace the invaluable connection between parents and children, we also want students to know they can always turn to a trusted adult at school.”
On Wednesday, NCHS “students will be asked to identify the trusted adults in their lives, and we’ll share information on the resources available to them,” he said in his email. “Additionally, we’ll emphasize the importance of speaking with parents, whether the topic is good or bad, about themselves or a friend. Our message is simple: We Don’t Worry Alone.”
Egan said he reached out to the NCHS community so that, if they wanted, families could “begin or reinforce these conversations at home.”
“Thank you again for your ongoing support during this challenging time,” Egan said. “Please remember that we are committed to supporting our students, and ensuring their well-being is our top priority.”