vr --~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OH-t~-quAf2.e5 rf<.90 student newspaper ~, VOL. 79 NO.,i7 SALEM SENIOR HIGH - SALEM, OHIO FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1992 · The Epidemic Of Teen Suicide by Rick Hoffmaster Out 5,500 high schoolers studied, FACT: Once a child tries death by depression was second only to colds in suicide he/she is very likely to make frequency. There is some depression another attempt. that is normal to teens. But is there a MYTH: The chances of suicide can way to tell the difference between be reduced by avoiding the subject. "normal" depression and a serious or FACT: One can reduce the chances suicidal depression? of suicide by bringing the subject out To a kid struggling with his own into the open. identity, every pimple can be a crisis MYTH: Suicidal youth want to die. and every romantic break-up a rejec­ FACT: Suicidal youth want to live tion to much to bear. Its hard for them to at least as much as they want to die. keep things in perspective. Conflict with Here at Salem High School there are parents and the breakup of meaningful ways to help those suicidal teens. There relationship are two major reasons why are a number of people who are there for a teen would possibly contemplate the troubled teen when the thought of suicide. The teenager is not always suicide crosses their mind. The reason depressed when he commits suicide. there are counselors is to be able to help Alcohol and drugs make a teen's the student through the rough times, mental state more precarious. Amphet­ and be there to talk about what the amines, "speed," deplete what are called student is going through. Even your neurotransmitters in the brain, valuable friends are there to talk to. If you have Do You Know chemicals that transmit nerve impulses. good enough friends they will tell Your Teachers? Many depressed and suicidal people someone about your decision about by Melissa McCrae Moves like this helped Nelson Cope advance to the State Wresting have depleted neurotransmitters, a con­ suicide. Here are some simple ways you Tournament which began yesterday. dition that can be treated with proper can help: You see them nine months, five medication. It takes about three days for -Develop a sound relationship with days a week; but how well do you know the chemicals to rise to normal levels the teen. your teachers? after the teen takes speed. After the -Assess immediate risk. Ask if he/ Student Council is going to sponsor decision of suicide is made, teens de­ she plans to commit suicide, including NHS Induction Held a contest that will require you to match sign ways of doing it so that there is how, when or where she plans to do it. teacher's baby pictures with their The Salem High School Chapter of inducted into the National Hoi:or So­ little chance of being rescued. Guns, -Do not panic. Be confident and take present-day ones. The pictures will be the National Honor Society held its ciety. hanging and drug overdoses are the control. displayed around the school for stu­ annual induction of new members. Jason Aldom, Jeff Andres, Jacob three most favorite ways the suicide is -Do not leave the teen alone. dents to study several weeks before the These students were selected on the Bails, Mike Bigham, Curt Conser, Scott performed successfully. Three times as -Be sure counselors, parents or pro- contest deadline which is tentatively basis of their accumulative grade point Davis, Shannon Finley, Matt Greenisen, many females attempt suicide, but three fessionals are aware of the problem and scheduled for sometime in late April. average as well as their outstanding Heather Heath, Brad Heim, Denise Lee, times as many males are successful in the teen is referred to a mental health Teachers wishing to participate may display of scholarship, service, leader­ Sarah Leider, Leah Lutsch, Emily their attempts probably because males facility. tum in a·baby and present day picture to ship, and character. The inductees were Mager, Michelle Martin, Emily Miller, have a tendency to use more violent When I spoke with Miss Carmello Mrs. Monteleone. This must be done honored at a candlelit ceremony held Kalpana Mohan, Stuart Poage, Ross means. she gave me some background on ex­ before March 19 in order to assure a Ramunno, Mike Ruple, Angie Sabatino, There are many facts and myths actly what the counselors do when a last night in the high school library. All spot in the contest. Remember to put William Schneider, Jason Smith, Jeff about teenage suicide. Some of these troubled student comes to them for ad­ family, friends, and staff members were facts and myths are: your name on the back of your pictures invited to attend the induction. Re­ Spatz, Tricia Stone, Kristie Stewart, vice. She told me that whenever a stu­ Charlie Straub, Marcy Tkatch, Michelle MYTH: Children never commit dent tells them that they are thinking to insure their return to the properowner. freshments were served following the All identities will be kept secret until Woerther, Michelle Wolf, Jennifer suicide. about committing suicide, they do not ceremony. The following students were the day of the contest. Zeigler. FACT: Suicide is the eighth leading take it lightly. "We try to give immediate cause of death among children 5-14 help to those students who even consider years old. committing suicide." In the area there MYTH: Children who talk about are several places to go to for help. One Club Activity Update suicide do not kill themselves. place is the Mental Health Clinic, an­ FACT: Most young people give other place is the social services in local Pep Club warnings of their suicidal intent. hospitals, and there is also a Help pizza party on March 14. The Treasurer: Mrkanda Fitch Advisors: Miss Nespeca location has not yet been decided MYTH: Once a child is suicidal, he/ Hotline. The numbers for the Help Activities Advisor: Officers: upon. Chrystal Bowers she is suicidal forever. Hotline are 424-7767 and 426-9355 President: Jan Penner FACT: The suicidal crisis usually Key Club Exchange Student Advisor: available 24-hours. Vice President: Erin Funk Jenni Covert last for a limited time: it can be diffused Sources for this article are the fol­ Secretary/Treasure: Michelle Advisor: Mr. Washinko Activities: AFS members recently Officers: when feelings of personal worth are lowing: Seventeen Magazine, April Wolf attended a Pittsburgh Peguins Activities: Still having bimonthly President: Jason Aldom restored. 1985; Sun Herald, May 1986; The Hockey Game. Plans are meetings. Planning the King of Vice-President: Darren Walker MYTH: Suicide attempts are sel­ Cincinnati Enquirer; Help Hotline, Inc. currently being made for future Hearts Dance and will be making Secretary: Traci Wright activities. dom repeated. 6/88. goody bags for the spring sports Treasurer: Laura Farkas teams. Activities: Had a concession Class of 1994 /Cope J£arIJ.s ]'fip tel · •.•• Salem Athletes stand. Will be helping at the National Honor Advisor: Mrs. Wilms. Stat~ \V~esUillg · O.M. Competition on the 14th. Mrs. Yakubek Tournament · Earn MVC Honors Society Planning an lnterclub convention President: Ken Lee Advisors: Mr. and Mrs. Jeckavitch w/Crestview over the weekend of Vice President: Julie Kornbau Salem sophomore wrestler .. Three members of Salem Boys' bas­ the 22. Possible plans of Nelson Cope earned atrip fo the ···· President: Mary Rottenborn Secretary: Jody Wirkner ketball team, and three members of Vice President: Craig Belaney sponsoring a dance on the 3 of Treasurer: Duke Dye state.Wrestlillg J ()utnamenl; / Salem Girls' basketball team were named Secretary: Robin Oberle April. Activities: Planning a possible whic.h begall yest~rday a\\Vriglit to the Mahoning Valley Conference Treasure: Heidi Auman Interact concession stand at one of the State Univefflity baytbn; .9 ope, iii basketball team. Brian Petrucci was Activities: Held on March 11, the Advisor: Mrs. Hutson tournament games. Having a ·.· with a reeord of 25-6 this year, > named to the MVC's fist team. Petrucci National Honor Society induction Officers: dinner dance Friday, April 10 from . ~~ . scheduled t? wi~stle Jake was third in the conference in scoring ceremony for the new members . President: Ben Heineman 6:30 to 10:30. Getting ready to ~avis; 38-0, from •• ~iian E dlS<)n ·· · ••• averaging 18.4 points per game, first in It held in the library, and all Vice-President: Lisa Olson elect new officers and student high school. Cope advanced to parents and staff members were Secretary: Alicia Chuey council members. three point shooting accuracy, second welcome. the state tournament by w~ing Treasurer: Diana Hutson Tact in rebounding and steals, sixth in field SHS Environment four of his siX: matches in the 112 goal accuracy, and eighth in assists. Activities: They will have a guest Advisor: Mrs. Cozza speaker from the Garden Club of Activities: The March party will pound division at the Division II Beau Hendricks and Shawn Sauerwein Club Salem come in. They are be a talent show. The TACT Advisors: Mr. Sabo regioriaJ tournament held at Ak­ received honorable mentions. Salem finalizing the Easter candies Officers: Olympics are scheduled for April, ron Firestone:J n fact, Copelost to sophomore Valerie Scott who finished sales, and further plans are and the big graduation party is President: Mindi Cyrus only one Wf:stler last. weekend, second in scoring in the MVC, averag­ being made about the trip to scheduled for May. Vice President: Heather Higgins that being the 112 pound wrestler . Columbus. ing 18.8 points per game, was named to Secretary: Laura Farkas Yearbook from Mentor Lake Catholic. Cope the MVC's first team, while Kristin Treasure: Jenny Hyland Academic Challenge Advisor: Mrs.