A ribbon memorial will be held on Saturday, April 15, to commemorate Aaron Husmann, an Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) junior who passed away unexpectedly on April 10.
People who would like to attend to commemorate Husmann’s life can gather at Round Lake at 2 p.m. to help place blue and green ribbons around the city as a way to remember him and share memories with others. (Please note: this event has been moved from its original location, the EPHS Activity Center, due to parking issues.)
As the school community grieves this loss, trained counselors and social workers remain available to support students. The school has encouraged families to look at resources available on its website for students and families who may need them.
In an email to families on April 11, EPHS principal Nate Gibbs said, “Families, we’d like to offer the following ideas: If your child is willing to talk, take time to listen and have them share their feelings. It’s OK to not have an answer; students value being heard and listened to.
“Allow students to express whatever feelings come up for them or what they are thinking about. Consider asking students how they are feeling using open-ended questions. Supports at EPHS are there for you to use. Please do not hesitate to access them.”
On Friday, Gibbs shared another resource with families, Tips For Teens Who Are Grieving from the Dougy Center for Grieving Children and Families, which include:
- Continue to move — take a walk or bike ride.
- Stay in community — talk, call, or text with friends and family.
- Make room for whatever feelings are coming up — be kind to yourself and understand that feelings ebb and flow.
- Ask for help — you don’t have to go through any of this alone.
Anyone struggling with their mental health can also seek help anytime through a national crisis lifeline by dialing 988. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for anyone who is struggling, as well as for their loved one.
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