By Rosetta D. Treece, Superintendent of Schools
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. For me, this month carries a weight I know too many families understand. I am a Gold Star mother. My son served in our country’s Air Force with courage and honor, yet he lost his life not on the battlefield, but to a growing epidemic in our country—dying by suicide. His absence is a pain that never leaves me, and it has given me a mission: to speak openly, to break the silence, and to do everything I can to help protect other families from experiencing this kind of terrible loss.
Suicide is now one of the leading causes of death among young people. But behind every number is a story, a face, and a family who will forever carry the ache of unanswered questions. My son was loved deeply. He was strong and brave. And yet, he struggled quietly in ways that even those closest to him could not always see or understand.
As superintendent, I see the same struggles mirrored in the lives of our students. The weight of anxiety, depression, or isolation can become unbearable if young people feel they have nowhere to turn. That is why we are committed to building a culture of connection in our schools—where every student knows they are valued, where reaching out for help is seen as a sign of strength, and where no one has to carry their pain alone.
Last year, HVRSD proudly launched Hope Squad – a developmentally-appropriate, evidence-based suicide prevention program – in each of our six schools. A Hope Squad consists of students who have been nominated by their peers to be trained in noting signs of distress, reaching out to students, and connecting them with help and hope. Hope Squads educate the entire student body to reduce stigma surrounding mental health. Members of the Hope Squad meet regularly with trained advisors for education and support.
To parents and guardians: I urge you to check in with your children. Ask the hard questions. Listen without rushing to fix. Sometimes, just knowing someone is there can truly be life-saving.
To our students: please hear this from me, not just as your superintendent, but as a mother who has lived the worst outcome—your life matters beyond measure. There is always hope, and there are always people ready to walk beside you.
If you or someone you love is struggling, please call, text 988, or chat online at 988Lifeline the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Together, by choosing compassion, connection, and courage, we can bring light to those struggling in the dark.
