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What started as a family tragedy and a school project has become a large community focus on the impact of suicide in young adults – and residents coming together for a suicide awareness walk on May 23.
The 6-mile walk – which begins at 9 a.m. that morning – has been organized by students at Forest Park High School.
Hannah Kolkmeyer, the leader of the project, had the idea after a relative committed suicide.
“It all started with a death in my family…back in March my cousin committed suicide, and my family was obviously heartbroken over the situation. So, I came up with the idea to have a walk to raise awareness,” said Kolkmeyer.
According to Kolkmeyer, suicide is the third leading cause of death for individuals from 18 to 24.
“It started off as a project, but now it’s turned into such a huge thing,” said Kolkmeyer.
Shannon Geraghty, a civics teacher at Forest Park High School, said that the project is a way for her students to put their knowledge to work – instead of simply taking a test.
“This project takes the place of a final exam. It is called an alternative assessment. I never have them take an exam; instead they have to put all their civic knowledge to work by making an impact in their community,” said Geraghty.
In order to get residents out to the walk this Saturday, Kolkmeyer and her classmates have been out in the community and speaking to elected officials to gain their support.
“We’ve gone to school board meetings – we’re going to the [Prince William] Board of County Supervisors meeting next week…we’re trying to get as many people as we can to come to this,” said Kolkmeyer.
At the end of the walk, participants will hear from speakers about the dangers of suicide at a post-race rally.
