A memorial filled with items commemorating both students’ lives grew each day in front of the high school. Ethan McLeod
“These times are all about remembering that all people need help, love and support.”
— Janie Strauss, Dranesville District School Board Representative
Fairfax County came together to support Langley High students and their families following the deaths of two 17-year old Langley seniors on Feb. 3 and 4.
Compassionate messages arrived from Fairfax County school administrators, churches, and fellow students at other schools in the days following the discoveries of both students’ bodies. Both deaths were suspected to be suicides.
Langley High School Principal Matt Ragone issued a statement in a letter to Langley families. “Thank you to everyone who has expressed their genuine concern and for your support of Langley High School,” said Ragone in a letter. “I realize that at times like this, answers are in short supply. However, it is important that we continue to be there for one another during this difficult time.”
Peers placed items commemorating the lives of both students on a memorial in front of the school. The memorial grew day by day, and fellow Saxons gathered there to pay their respects.
The community assembled at Langley High School on the evening of Friday, Feb. 7, in a candlelight vigil. “I really hope that their parents show up so we can pay our respects to them,” said one Langley junior. Another student estimated that about 600 people attended the evening ceremony.
Area churches and other Fairfax County schools such as Oakton, Chantilly, and James Madison high schools showed their support via social media, sharing the #SaxonStrong hashtag and telling classmates to wear black that Friday. McLean Bible Church and Saint Luke Catholic Church both offered services dedicated to the students on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
School Board Representative Janie Strauss (Dranesville) said that tragic events like this remind students and their families to show compassion and understanding toward one another. “Those little civilities with strangers and people you know may be that one piece of sunshine that person needed that day,” said Strauss. “We have an emphasis with children in our schools to support and help each other always, whether it’s character education or positive behavior support programs.”
Fairfax County Public Schools crisis intervention teams arrived at Langley High School shortly after. Dr. Kim Dockery, assistant superintendent for FCPS Special Services, said that the team consists of social workers, psychologists, and counselors from schools all over the county who are there to talk with any students and staff who seek their help. Dockery said that the teams remain there “for as long as the school needs them.”
Strauss said that in the coming weeks, the county will continue to encircle students with support from counselors and social services resources. “These times are all about remembering that all people need help, love and support. It’s hard to know sometimes when people are in crisis,” said Strauss.