Ryle High School students heard from special speakers to recognize Suicide Prevention and Awareness Week, a special focus on mental health of students.
The speakers highlighted a continuing program that includes class activities, informational materials and class discussions.
On Monday, there were two assemblies.
Grades 9, 10, and 12
Missy Jenkins Smith, an author and survivor of the Heath High School shooting in 1997, inspired the students.
Following her award-winning memoir I Choose to be Happy in 2008, Missy has published her second book titled, Lessons from a School Shooting Survivor: How to Find the Good in Others and Live a Life of Love and Peace.
Crafted for a teenage audience with classroom activities at the end of each chapter, Missy shares fresh stories about her life since the shooting as they relate to the principles of listening, empathy, forgiveness, laughter, optimism, and kindness.
Inspired by the incessant negativity that has blanketed our country the past year, Missy is trying to encourage our youth to create a narrative of their own lives and the lives around them that is based on love and peace.
Grade 11
Bobby Petrocelli’s story was one of personal triumph and hope following a devastating tragedy in his life.
One night he went to bed in suburban America, a happy man with a loving wife. But when he woke up dazed in his kitchen, his wife was dead and his life forever changed. The pickup truck that crashed through his bedroom wall was driven by a man who was more than twice legally drunk.
He is the author of several books, including 10 seconds Will Change Your Life Forever.
He is now a motivational speaker who shares with people of all ages about the power of their decisions and how to build a strong foundation for their lives.
