Candlelight Vigil for Suicide Prevention Reminds Shepherd University Students, Community Members of the Value of Life | News, Sports, Jobs

Members of the Shepherd University softball and lacrosse teams stand together in silence during the candlelight vigil for suicide prevention on September 17. Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — The second annual Candlelight Vigil for Suicide Prevention was held in front of the Scarborough Library on Sept. 17, attracting a number of community members and Shepherd University students, faculty and staff .

Wendy Baracka, director of counseling at Shepherd University, organized the event, in partnership with Rams Care and Shepherd University Student Services. A number of other like-minded organizations could be found at the vigil, including Shepherd University’s chapter of Morgan’s Message.

“Morgan’s Message is a non-profit organization that works to help student-athletes with their mental health and break the stigma against mental health. It is named after a player named Morgan Rodgers. She went to Kettle Run High School, which I attended, and then she went to Duke University, where she played lacrosse. said Jordan White, a freshman lacrosse player at Shepherd University, mentioning that Rodgers was also his college lacrosse coach. “She tore her ACL and kind of declined from there. His parents and friends came together and created Morgan’s message.

White is one of two ambassadors for Morgan’s message at Shepherd University, along with fellow lacrosse player Katie Paredes, seeking to help other student-athletes recognize that their mental health needs are being met, while as much as their physical health.

“I think we have all faced mental health issues” » said Paredes. “Shedding light on this, normalizing conversations about this, and bringing a community together for this specific reason means a lot to me. I’m happy to be able to participate in this tonight.

Tony Salas speaks about losing his son to suicide at the candlelight vigil for suicide prevention on September 17. Tabitha Johnston

Other organizations providing information and support at the vigil included the Brian O’Neill Jr. Foundation, the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center and Sources of Strength.

“It’s Suicide Prevention Month in September, so we’re focused on normalizing mental health issues, showing unity to support those who are struggling, and encouraging people to seek help. ‘help. » » said Baracka. “Suicide is the second leading cause of death among traditional college-age students. People experience many challenges: untreated mental illnesses, extreme stressors, and cumulative stressors.

Baracka said she hoped that through the vigil more people would feel comfortable talking about mental health issues and learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of distress in others. The resources offered at the vigil would, she hoped, allow people to know how to directly ask others about how they are feeling and what resources are available for those who need mental health support.

For Shepherd University Principal Samantha Fridley, the vigil was an opportunity to share her personal mental health journey and connect with others who have experienced similar struggles.

“Mental health is not something we just talk about. It’s something we experience. This is something we need to support each other in. We need to ensure that resources are available and that no one is ashamed to ask for help,” Fridley said, mentioning that she founded Rams Care as a freshman, to do just that. “This vigil is more than just a gathering. It is a symbol of hope, connection and the power we have when we reach out to those who are struggling.

Jill Leathers, left, talks about the Brian O’Neil Jr. Foundation with a Shepherd University student outside the Scarborough Library on Tuesday. Tabitha Johnston