South Tahoe High planning tribute to Dejon Smith on Thursday

The tributes and memories of Dejon Smith continue to pour in via Facebook and media outlets as well as through much desired hugs.

South Tahoe High had counselors on hand Monday during the school day, helping students deal with grief. The death of 14 year old freshman Dejon Smith has affected not only his friends and classmates but also unknown people around the country.

On Thursday, student leadership at STHS will be distributing white ribbons for everyone on campus to wear in honor of the memory of Dejon.

Principal Chad Houck sent out another email and phone message Monday evening. "Administration is going to help facilitate a student leadership request to have a gathering during lunch on Thursday for students to share their positive memories of Dejon, recognize that they are not alone in their feelings, and affirm that we are all Vikings and we support each other in positive ways," he said.

Students and community members are not only grieving the loss of Dejon, but also the passing of Anderson Bicycle Rentals owner, and parent, Doug Anderson.

The following is Houck's message to student and parents:

I have to begin by thanking our counseling team as they were ready and quick to provide support for every student in need today. I believe they did a great job and were instrumental in a safe and successful school day. There were several individuals and a few groups who worked with our team to process information while moving through individual grief processes and learning to accept and understand how everyone grieves differently.

I know that our Police force was working on their investigation today and if they have not already given a press release, I am under the impression that our Chief will be releasing information soon. As I shared last night, receiving accurate information is important and will play a key role in everyone's grief process.

Our Counseling team met again at the end of the school day to debrief and plan for the rest of the week. We will continue to have room SV107 available as a space for students who need support. Our counseling staff will also be ready with ongoing support for the student groups who are still working through their process, and for any individuals who find that they could use some help with what they are feeling. Please have a conversation with your students and encourage them to come to the counseling office if they are having a hard time processing, and if they are doing ok, please compliment them on doing well in their classes during this difficult time.

Our student leadership plans honor memories of Dejon by distributing and wearing white ribbons on Thursday this week. Additionally, administration will help facilitate a student leadership request to have a gathering during lunch on Thursday for students to share their positive memories of Dejon, recognize that they are not alone in their feelings, and affirm that we are all Vikings and we support each other in positive ways.

As Dr. Tarwater has said, this tragic incident leaves us all with hurt, and our hearts go out to the families and friends who are suffering. At the same time, I am proud of everyone who is working to ensure that negativity is curtailed and that we focus on the good memories that can lead to a positive legacy for Dejon at STHS.

Thank you again for your understanding and support. If there is more information that comes to me that is appropriate and helpful, I will once again share it.

I look forward to seeing all of our students at school tomorrow!