Student Recognized for Suicide Prevention Work

senior Madison Simpkins knows what it's like to lose someone close to suicide and now she's working to prevent others from experiencing the same thing.

Simpkins, of Munroe Falls, was recognized as a top 10 winner of the Searching for Teen Leaders award for Project Love's Searching for Teen Leaders program. She lost a close friend and classmate to suicide in 2009. 

"I know what it feels like to be in a dark place without any hope, so if I can reach out to others who feel the same way, I can remind them that they are not alone," she said. "I am living proof that depression is treatable and suicide is preventable."

She was honored in Cleveland last month during A Celebration of Outstanding Teen Leadership. 

Simpkins works tirelessly to make something positive come from a personal loss, according to a press release from the school district. 

Madison has been largely responsible for bringing two major programs to the high school — and a day of Suicide Prevention Assemblies — to encourage classmates to learn about tolerance, kindness and about each other.

During the assemblies, Madison "talked about the importance of treating others with kindness, and she emphasized help-seeking behaviors," said high school guidance counselor Sally Dean.

"She spoke about this topic eight times in one day, and when Madi speaks, her peers truly listen," said Dean, who nominated Madison for the award.

Project Love Purple America is a character-building education and training organization. Through workshops, community events, leadership training and media programs, Project Love empowers teens and adults to build a culture of kindness, caring and respect by putting their values-in-action wherever they go, according to its website.