Sending a powerful message to the community that “you are not alone,” a group of Woodgrove High School students organized a special, school-wide walk to raise awareness for mental illness and suicide prevention.

Morning classes at Woodgrove High School were canceled so that the entire student body could go on a walk.It was an unseasonably cold and breezy morning, but few complained. Their thoughts and conversations were on Ryan, and Will, and Christian, and other young people from the Loudoun community who had lost their lives in suicide-related incidents in recent years.

WASHINGTON — A Loudoun County high school is working to draw attention to the devastating problem of teen suicide with a walk and an assembly on the school’s grounds in Purcellville, Va

“We’re all human” was one of Ryan Bartel’s favorite expressions.

The entire student body will participate in the school's first "We're All Human - Suicide Prevention Walk."

Heavy metal bands took to the Bush Tabernacle stage last Saturday evening for the second annual Rock for Ryan concert. The concert, named in honor of Ryan Bartel, a Woodgrove senior who took his life on Oct. 15, 2014, featured local bands from all over the area performing heavy metal music. Commemorative concert shirts were given to the first 100 ticket holders.

Talk of improving the safety net for struggling teens tends to grow louder after a tragedy plays out in the public eye.

The mother of a Woodgrove High School student who took his life in 2014 is continuing to provide a lifeline for other young people.

Local rockers and supporters will be jamming to bring awareness to youth suicide this Saturday, Jan. 16 from 7pm to 11:30pm at the Bush Tabernacle Skating Rink in Purcellville.