Kid in the Corner

To reach out to the Kid in the Corner, whomever that may be, so that they feel supported by and connected to their community, as well as to start conversations about mental illness and inspire kids to build peer connections through education, awareness, and simple acts of kindness. We plan to accomplish this by using a three-pronged approach: 1. Educate and spread awareness 2. Promote kindness and community connectedness 3. Connect community with mental health resources

On June 13, 2017, we lost Zach Sumner to suicide.

This heartbreaking tragedy rocked our community to its core. In the days and weeks that followed, stories emerged about how Zachary was always looking out for and reaching out to the kid in the corner, those kids who felt alone and isolated. He touched more people in his short life than most people ever do. Zach was a giver with a keen eye for those in need. Yet sadly, he didn't feel the reciprocation when he himself became the kid in the corner.

We believe that through education, awareness, kindness, and community connectedness, we can help change the story for the next Kid in the Corner. Our vow to Zach is to honor his legacy by continuing the incredibly important work he started.

Testimonials

Here are some written student testimonials and feedback from a recent school presentation:

"I never thought about what it would be like to be a person someone can talk to."

"That it's okay to not be okay and that suicide is never the answer."

"I learned it's ok to not be ok. You don't have to be ashamed that you have mental health issues."

"Suicide is never the answer. It does not take away the pain, just gives it to someone else."

"That it's okay to not be okay and that I should never be afraid to ask for help."

"I learned where to reach out to if someone wanted to harm themselves."

"The most important thing I have learned from this lesson is that it is important to reach out to someone who is struggling with their mental health."

"The most important thing I've learned from this presentation was what stigma meant. I am so glad that I know what stigma means because now I know how to shatter it and help others shatter it. I'd really like to thank Ms. Sumner for coming in!"

"Always remember to be kind to everyone, including yourself :)"