Teen suicide focus of Joplin High School weekly update

A number of student suicides have stunned Joplin High School and the subject is addressed in a compelling fashion in the accompanying Jet HD news program.

The first portion of the weekly update features an interview with senior Kendall Lewis, who offers some thoughts on how to deal with those who might be considering suicide, how JHS teachers deal with students and some signs to look for in students whose problems could be causing them to make a decision from which there is no coming back.

Lewis talked about the students she has known who have taken their lives.

"It really hurts," she said, noting there are serious bullying problems and students who have had problems dealing with mental illness.

There have been cases, Lewis said, where students and teachers did not take the students' situation seriously.

"The school tries, but it can do a lot more."

Lewis praised the attitude shown by some faculty members. "Some teachers outdo themselves and try to help" she said, noting that these teachers show interest in their students and try to help them deal with problems.

"You're always going to have the teachers who don't. It's said that there are some teachers like that. If you're going to be a teacher, that's your responsibility."