This Sunday, a group of Dominion DECA students will be hosting an event at Algonkian Park in support of efforts to prevent suicides within Loudoun County. Mirabell Ochoa, Simone Ghobadi, and Camryn Shulsinger will be leading the event, hosted at the Park’s Shelter #2, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The trio came up with the idea partially as a result of the high rates of teen suicide within Loudoun County over recent years. “There were five suicides last year alone in Loudoun, and we wanted to help,” Mirabell Ochoa, one of the organizers, said. “Simone came up with the idea since her uncle committed suicide last year, but we really want to help prevent the many county suicides.”

The hour-long event at Algonkian park will feature a fire wherein you can toss a written-down insecurity. “The event will be a safe spot to talk,” Ochoa said, “because we want everyone to realize that they matter.” Additionally, the gathering will feature a station for photos, and food and drinks will be provided.

Ghobadi, Ochoa, and Shulsinger have not limited their efforts to just the Algonkian Park outreach. “In Clubhouse, we’ll be teaming up with Ms. Smith and Mr. Haberman the last week before Winter Break. We’re trying to get people to realize that everyone has hardships and that [no one] is ever alone, and we’ll be playing a game to reinforce that.” The trio’s campaign against teen suicide in the county will also involve various types of community outreach throughout the year.

“Above all, we want to communicate that everyone matters,” Ochoa said. “I hope everyone is able to come.”