Warning: This article contains mentions of suicide, which may be distressing to some readers.

KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – Officials at Keene Middle School (KMS) say they have partnered with local mental health professionals to honor the memory of a student who died earlier this school year for the end of the school year and Achievement day.

According to a letter to families from Principal Michael Smith, the school is planning a series of low-profile tributes during its Achievement Day ceremony including a dedicated page in the 2024–25 yearbook, a painted portrait to be displayed during the ceremony, a moment of silence, and a private reflection space for close friends of the student.

School officials, in consultation with Monadnock Family Services (MFS) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), decided against public speeches or a large-scale memorial service. Citing research and professional guidance, the school noted that such events can unintentionally glorify suicide and increase the risk of self-harm among vulnerable students.

“Our conversations also raised awareness of a sobering fact: schools who suffer from one student suicide are at heightened risk for suffering additional losses. This is often the result of at-risk students glorifying the original act. This is sometimes inadvertently exacerbated by schools’ responses,” the letter says. “Our work with MFS and NAMI made clear that physical memorials and assemblies, while well intentioned, could have adverse effects.”

The letter says that the decision-making process considered both the emotional needs of grieving students and the overall safety of the school community. School officials also addressed the broader challenges that followed the student’s death, including investigations into bullying and efforts to dispel misinformation and rumors that circulated on social media.

The students’ mother posted a video on her public Facebook page, expressing her disappointment with the school’s decisions.

“I think that some people feel like I should be grateful that they are doing this, and unfortunately, none of what they’re doing is enough because it completely misses the entire point,” Alicia Michelle said in the video.

She said she disagrees with the opinion that a larger-scale recognition would glorify suicide.

“I honestly feel like that is an excuse to fall back on, because why not take this opportunity to educate our children on why being kind is so important. Especially for these eighth graders, who will be entering the ninth grade this fall.”

According to the school, the approach to Achievement Day is intended to balance remembrance with celebration, ensuring that students have space to honor their peer while also safeguarding their mental health. The school will continue to work with MFS and NAMI to support students and staff in the wake of the tragedy.

This article was updated to include information from Alicia Michelle’s video