On Monday, Feb. 5 and Tuesday, Feb. 6, seniors participated in SOS training, as well as a suicide prevention presentation during their Gold or Maroon Day government class periods.

All seniors were given the choice to opt in or out of the presentation, meaning it was not required for everyone. Students who opted out were required to work in the library during the presentation.

The training was conducted by school psychologist Nikki Lind and the new student counselor Alyssa Chappell. The training went over how to recognize warning signs of someone who might be suicidal, how to encourage healthy and progressive conversation and how to get connected with adults if need be.

“I think it is incredibly important to spread awareness – not just to ensure that those going through something don’t feel alone, but to equip their loved ones with a means of helping them,” said senior Andrea Zarate, a student who opted in for the presentation.

24mnorris@usd489.com