Students lead healing events, say district counseling available after recent tragedies

At its Oct. 1 meeting, the district heard a detailed student report from Adrian, the Ben Lomond High student representative, who described student‑led activities (Hooman Week, Homecoming, the block party and student clans), fall sports and a community response to recent tragic events that affected students.

Adrian recounted that students and staff used arts, performances and public events to come together: “It just brought both schools together and showed that, you know, we’re more of rivals and we’re more as friends and of the family,” he said, describing Iron Horse week and community turnout. He described the block party as student‑run and noted many student organizations sold out of fundraisers during the event.

Adrian and school staff described coordinated supports: Ben Lomond instituted school‑based counseling centers and student government facilitated memorials and support activities; other district schools and neighboring districts also offered support, and students described using student statements to share how they felt. Board members commended Adrian and other student leaders for their organization and maturity during a difficult period and asked staff to convey the board’s support to students.

Board members and administrators said counseling and district support were available. The superintendent and trustees repeatedly thanked students and community partners for stepping forward with healing events; a Utah Symphony concert at Ben Lomond earlier in the season was cited as an example of a community solidarity event.

No formal actions were taken; board members said they would continue to support student leadership and school counseling resources.