In response to a tragic student suicide, Parma parents launched a heartfelt campaign, with signs reading ‘You matter’ to promote mental health support.
PARMA HEIGHTS, Ohio — One week after a Valley Forge High School student died by suicide inside the school cafeteria, a simple message lined the sidewalks and front lawn as students returned to class: “You are valued.”
Bright yard signs bearing crisis hotline numbers and the words “You matter” also greeted students Monday during their first full day back at Valley Forge since the tragedy. The signs are part of a grassroots effort by two Parma City School District parents who say they wanted to turn grief into action, and offer visible reminders that help is available.
“We have to do something,” Dalenna Braine said. “We can’t just sit here on social media and just talk to people. Our kids deserve action.”
Parma Heights police say the 18‑year‑old student shot herself last week in the school cafeteria using a gun she brought to campus. She later died from her injuries. Investigators say the shooting was not an act of violence toward others.
In the days since, conversations around mental health and suicide prevention have intensified across the community. The parents behind the sign campaign say they hope to reach students who may be struggling but don’t know where to turn.
Each sign includes the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, as well as text 741741, which connects people in distress with trained crisis counselors.
“There’s answers out there and there’s help,” Braine said, “and that does not have to be the end-all, be-all.”
The signs sell for $15 each, and organizers say they’ve already sold about five dozen. Any remaining signs are available, and proceeds will be donated to Parma City Schools, with the hope the funds will support safety, security, or mental health efforts.
“It’s a small thing,” Crystal Nowak told 3News. “It’s not going to be a huge impact, but any impact is better than no impact.”
“We can’t just talk about it,” Braine added. “We need to have action. Our students deserve that.”
The campaign has expanded beyond school grounds: Community members across the district are purchasing the signs and placing them in their own yards, extending the message beyond the school and into neighborhoods.
“They matter — a hundred percent,” Braine said. Nowak also emphasized, “If it helps one person, then it did its job.”
District leaders say additional counseling and support services remain available as students begin the process of returning to routine.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, help is available 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988, or by chatting online at 988lifeline.org. You’re not alone.