As part of a suicide prevention program, all seniors will participate in a Brief Screen For Adolescent Depression (BSAD) during their English period on March 16, 17 or 23. This is the program’s second year running such a screening.

“Suicide is something that happens, and we want to be sure that we’re doing everything we can to connect students to help when they need it,” class of 2026 social worker Gina Horeni said.

The BSAD will ask students questions about whether or not they’ve exhibited signs of depression in recent weeks, such as if they’ve lost interest in activities they used to enjoy or have been experiencing feelings of hopelessness, and signs of suicide risk, such as suicidal ideation or previous attempts. If a student’s responses are flagged as concerning, a member of Student Services Staff, such as a counselor, social worker, or school psychologist, will speak with them to get a sense of what they’re thinking, class of 2027 social worker Mary Pacejka said.

“The goals of the program are to help kids become aware of and identify signs of depression and suicide, and to know what to do with that awareness, and for us as the mental health professionals in the school to be aware of any students that need intervention,” Pacejka said.

The program began last year when LT’s social work department partnered with the suicide prevention organization Elyssa’s Mission, which funds and trains LT staff for the program.

“Our school was interested in a more comprehensive suicide prevention program, so our administration sought out Elyssa’s Mission to partner with them to do that,” Horeni said.

In addition to taking the BSAD, students will watch three short video clips and have a class discussion emphasizing understanding warning signs of depression and suicide, and how to get help.

“I just think it’s a great program that’s talking about something important,” Horeni said.

Sophomores participated in the program in November. The goal is for every student to experience the program during their four years at LT, Pacejka said.