Central Students Strive for Suicide Prevention

After the passing of unexpectedly last year, Brookfield Central students have become very proactive in sharing the message of suicide prevention, and valuing the importance of life and all its blessings.  

Most recently, Seniors at collaborated on Facebook to create an event with over 1,500 people spreading the word to “Wear Green Everywhere” Friday to honor the life of Lindsay Huenink, who died one year ago.

Other Central students, such as Emily Tierney (’11) and Sarah Lonski (’12) have found this hardship to become healing through artwork. Lonski recently made her final Art exam a depiction of the “Shine On” bracelet (the band that was made in honor of Lindsay’s passing for scholarship funds). Tierney has had various photographic compositions, which reflect the beauty that Huenink’s life had and their friendship. Next month, on Saturday, April 21, many students will be heading to Madison for a National Suicide Prevention walk.

The students will gather as “Team Lindsay” which was organized by Kara Krugel and Maddy Flynn. Both girls are former Central students who were close to Huenink, and are doing their part to get the word out about the walk! Maddy Flynn, who won the Shine On scholarship last year, has been a huge part in the past year to keep the scholarship growing and message going. Flynn had also organized on Facebook the “Team Lindsay” T-shirts that had been available for purchase through this past week. Flynn posted some big news to the Lindsay Huenink Dedication page Monday, stating, “Thanks to everyone who has donated to Team Lindsay!!! With your donations, we have become one of the Top 5 fundraising teams in the NATION! That is something to be proud of guys!!!! Keep spreading awareness to support this incredible cause [of suicide prevention].”

If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, the National Hotline for help is: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Join Team Lindsay Walk in Madison April 21:
http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&page=1&eventID=1633&teamID=31637

Suicide warning signs and prevention resource:
http://helpguide.org/mental/suicide_prevention.htm
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Editor's note: There is help and hope for anyone feeling depressed or suicidal. A key step is to tell someone, whether it be a friend, parent, relative, teacher, coach, counselor, clergy person, neighbor or other trusted person.

There also are professionals available to answer your calls at local and national hotlines. In Waukesha County, dialing 2-1-1 (First Call for Help) reaches a live person ready to listen and provide information and referrals for help. It is staffed around the clock. Nationally, a suicide prevention lifeline, also is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

For more information, see information on suicide warning signs and how to help. If drugs or alcohol are involved, the Addiction Resouce Council in Waukesha also has a 24-hour hotline at 262-524-7920. Talk to someone.