September 12, 2010 | Story by: Lindsey Chester | Categories: Community, Education, Featured
Story by Lindsey Chester. Photos by Karl Fisher.
Cary, NC – I was reminded again on Saturday one of the reasons why we have such great schools in Cary. In a nutshell: community involvement. From the Booster clubs to programs like Read and Feed, it’s people – adults and students - getting involved in things that matter.
This past Saturday, September 11, I participated in a very moving event, Green Hope High School’s first Save a Life 5K, in memory of two students who had committed suicide.Registration started as early as 7:30 and the organizers I’m told arrived around 6. A DJ was playing rousing music to get everyone peppy on an overcast morning that carried a somewhat somber theme.
We agreed to walk to honor the memories of 2 students who had committed suicide. But more than that, the organizers hope to educate people and especially young people that it is OK to ask for help.
That “Cry For Help” will be heard, and more importantly is the first step toward preventing other tragic suicides amongst teens. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people.
The event began with a podcast that message. Cary Councilwoman Gale Adcock spoke about her connection to the school (her two boys are students) and then went on to read Mayor Weinbrecht’s proclamation declaring September 4-12 Suicide Awareness week in Cary.
Organizer Liza Weidle introduced Victoria Bennis. Her address brought tears to everyone’s eyes as she recounted her reason for spearheading the event. She wanted to be sure something positive came from the tragedy that she experienced when she lost her brother. She knows her life will never be the same, and that she will never forget her brother.
The courage Victoria exhibited in getting up and speaking to such a large group, when she herself is so young, was inspiring. But her real goal is to do something to prevent this tragedy from happening to others.
The walkers, clad in event T-shirts bearing a large green footprint, began at 9 a.m., and for the most part finished by 10. The group was then treated to stacks of pancakes cooked up by the Football team (in memory of Elliot Gareton, a former teammate).
The education that the Yellow Ribbon group will provide for many of the adults at Green Hope will help the community be more alert to the warning signs when someone is at risk for suicide. The money raised through the walk will allow about a dozen people to get training, and in turn, train and help others.
Liza said that the group’s original goal for the event was to have 100-200 people registered to walk. At the end of the day, over 300 people had registered.
Education for our children is more than just text books or who makes National Honor Society. On Saturday, I got another demonstration of why Cary has top-rated school communities.
Save a Life 5K Slideshow
CaryCitizen Photographer Karl Fisher participated in the Walk and took pictures for this slideshow:
