Stay Here Club

Here at Waukee High School, we have a new club called the ‘Stay Here Club’ and it is run by senior Kayla Reiter.​​ The club’s purpose is to create a space where everyone can come together and talk, have fun, and get support from others. This club was created to be a resource for students who are struggling with suicide or suicidal thoughts. Suicide is the second leading cause of death, about 800,000 teens die every year from suicide. So this club is trying to help others prevent suicide as their first action and get support from others before they decide that they are going to take their life.

Reiter said her goal for the club is to make Waukee suicide free. Kayla created this club because “I feel like here at Waukee, I among a bunch of other students, just know that it’s hard and with so many people it’s easy to get lost in translation. And, I have so many friends that struggle with suicidal thoughts and so this is something I was super passionate about starting. So that people could have a space where they can connect/talk with like other students and teachers.” Kayla is taking action and is doing an amazing thing for our community.

Since suicide is the second leading cause of death (according to the National Institute of Mental Health), let’s talk about why that is. Students who have experienced bullying, verbal abuse, child abuse, sexual violence, and self harm have higher risk of suicide. Some ways people cope with these types of violence are cutting, substance abuse, undereating, and other things. These coping mechanisms are not recommended; A few examples of healthier mechanisms would be calling a crisis hotline (988), writing out how you feel in a journal, talking to someone, and doing an act of self care like taking a walk. Not all schools have resources for students struggling with suicide/suicidal thoughts. Which is why Waukee student Kayla Reiter, is trying to increase the amount of resources for those students.

Why Kayla created the Stay Here Club is clear: she wants to see Waukee High School become suicide-free. After witnessing the tragic loss of a quarterback in 2015, she felt the need for early intervention and support. The club is designed to include everyone, not just those dealing with personal struggles, but also friends and allies who want to offer support. Kayla and the other club leaders want students to know they are not alone, and that there are always resources and people available to help them through difficult times. Kayla’s vision for the events include playing games, small groups, big group discussions, eating food like pizza, and so much more! This club, and the people engaged in it, are here for YOU. You do not need to sign up, you just have to show up! Do this for yourself and get the help you need. The first event is on October 9th, in Mrs. Armour’s room at 3:15 PM.

Graphic by Sadie Muselman using Canva