About 200 people met Monday afternoon to pray and show support for the Perry High School community during a prayer rally at Hartwick Park.
PERRY TWP. Savannah Swartz is a Perry High School senior who once struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts.
She acknowledged that talking about her problems to others made her feel stronger, and suggested that anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide reach out to friends or family members for support. Her remarks came Monday during a Prayers for Perry rally in Hartwick Park.
"This is something very heavy on my heart," Swartz said in a standing-room-only pavilion at the park on 13th Street SW. "It's so hard to know what to do. I don't really know what to say."
Swartz seemed to garner strength from the togetherness and camaraderie of the group, as she thanked those in attendance who helped her deal with tough issues. Overall, she was one of about 10 people, including a half-dozen church leaders or pastors, who spoke and offered prayers of support for the ongoing concern.
Since the start of the school year, the Perry district has suffered the loss of five students and one recent graduate to suicide.
Rachel Schuler, of Jackson Township, organized the prayer service. She said the goal was to get about eight-to-10 friends via social media to come to the park and pray. But word got out, and nearly 200 came out on a chilly, snowy afternoon to support families and raise awareness of teen suicide.
"I was in that place before and nearly took my own life," Schuler said. "We're here to help prevent more deaths, and want support groups to come together to show teenagers they're not alone."
Perry Local Schools on Friday announced the most recent student death. A news conference was held that afternoon by school officials, police officers, township government, area churches and the mental health sector at the Perry Township Police Department to discuss what officials know about the deaths and to express a commitment to preventing further suicides.
The deaths this school year include a 2017 Perry High graduate, one middle school pupil and four high school students. The district enrolls about 4,700 students, with nearly 1,400 at the high school.
Prayers encourage students to seek help
Schuler said her hope is that the prayers from Monday will help any struggling students to seek counsel and guidance, through friends, family, the school district or God. She wants teens to know people believe in them and advised them to seek spiritual advice.
"We've left God out of a lot of things and haven't seen any real solutions," Schuler said.
Spiritual music was performed by Hunter Fowler and Ted Anthony, of Cathedral of Life Church in Canton. Many attendees of the gathering sang along with the duo during their playing of "Good, Good Father."
Perry junior Darren Vanest came to pray with friends and family. He called the event "a good cause" and was appreciative of the high turnout.
"We're all here to support families during a tough time," he said. "It's great we all came together."
Reach Steven at 330-775-1134 or at steven.grazier@indeonline.com.
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