DJ Graham Death: The Shenango High School community is in mourning following the sudden death of a 17-year-old student on Tuesday evening. The tragic event has cast a shadow of grief over the school and its surrounding community. In light of this devastating loss, the school administration, led by Superintendent Dr. Joseph McCormick, has decided to postpone the varsity football game scheduled for Friday against Ellwood City. This decision reflects the need for the students, staff, and community to come together and grieve.
“We are deeply saddened to acknowledge that a 17-year-old student at Shenango High School tragically passed away yesterday evening,” Dr. McCormick stated. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family and friends.” This heartfelt message underscores the profound sense of loss felt by the entire school community. The Shenango Athletic Director, Jan Budai, held a meeting with the football team and coaches on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the situation. After careful deliberation, it was decided that postponing the game was the most appropriate response to this tragedy.
Budai emphasized the importance of prioritizing the emotional well-being of students and staff during this time. “The game can wait. Right now, our focus is on supporting one another,” Budai noted. The game, a nonconference matchup against Ellwood City, has been postponed. Ellwood City coach Dan Bailey extended his sympathies and supported Shenango’s decision. “It’s a tragic loss,” Bailey said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. We fully support Shenango’s decision to postpone the game, as some things are far more important than football.”
The school district has activated its crisis response team to provide immediate support to students and staff. The team was made available to meet with students on Wednesday, offering a safe space for them to express their feelings and begin the healing process. The district plans to continue providing these resources in the coming weeks. Dr. McCormick emphasized the importance of communication and encouraged students and parents to share their feelings and seek additional help if needed. “We extend our sincere condolences to the student’s family and friends and will make every effort to have grief resources and support available to our students and school community,” he assured.
Recognizing the heightened risk that children struggling with mental health may face during such times, McCormick urged families to remain vigilant and supportive. The district has provided contact information for Angelus Therapeutic Services, a local resource offering professional counseling and support. Additionally, the National Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 and the option to call or text 988 are available for anyone in crisis. The Shenango High School community will continue to support each other as they navigate this difficult period and honor the memory of their lost student.
