Hello Mr. Perricone,
My name is Molly. I attended the suicide prevention assembly at Huron High School, and I just wanted to thank you for coming. I expected another typical assembly, but the way you spoke was unlike anything I’ve heard before. You were so passionate and genuine that it felt like you cared about me personally, even without knowing me. When I got home, I cried — partly from sadness, but also from feeling seen and cared for. You’ve helped me with some dark thoughts, and now whenever they come, I think of what you said. Thank you for speaking in a way I’ll never forget.
John connected with both staff and students on so many levels, building strong bonds. Following his presentation, parents reached out to express gratitude for bringing John to South Kortright, as his impactful talk initiated meaningful conversations at home. Through this experience, we identified students facing challenges that were previously unknown to us, highlighting the need for deeper engagement in cultivating empathy and compassion.
Jill Doroski – Principal South Kortright Central School
Mr. Perricone approached this sensitive subject with the grace, strength, and finesse of a seasoned New York City ballet dancer. His presentation was one of a kind, heartfelt and deeply impactful. He is, in every way, a true gentleman who speaks from the depths of his heart.
Marc Weisgold – Principal Elk Lake Elementary
This is a new program that I’m offering in response to requests from administrators across the country. This sensitive subject was an integral part of my curriculum over the span of my career. I’ve lost count of how many of my former students have written or called me (sometimes thirty years after the fact) to tell me that they had used what they had learned in class as a bridge between a person who was contemplating ending their life and those who were trained to professionally help them.
What To Expect:
- program for 6th-12th grade students and staff: one hour and fifteen minutes
- exploration of the magnitude and scope of this health crisis
- impact of suicide on family and others
- warning signs including those that may not be obvious
- strategies for helping those contemplating suicide
Flyer for Suicide Prevention Address
Comments from administrators
John Perricone is a dynamic and engaging speaker who has twice served as the keynote presenter for the Huron School District’s faculty. Recently, we were honored to welcome him back to speak with our high school students about the difficult and deeply important topic of youth suicide. In the wake of the recent tragedies our community has experienced, it was vital for us to offer both staff and students meaningful guidance and support during this time.
John’s presentation was powerful, compassionate, and filled with insight. He spoke with honesty and empathy about recognizing the warning signs of suicide, how to reach out to those in crisis, and the lasting impact such losses have on families, friends, and entire communities. After the program, many students stayed to talk with him personally — a true reflection of how deeply his message resonated. John’s warmth, sincerity, and ability to connect with each individual left a lasting impression on all of us.
Linda Pietz, Director of Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment, Huron School District, Huron, South Dakota
As an administrator and more importantly, a father of a 14-year-old young lady, the topic of suicide invokes tremendous emotion.
Mr. Perricone approached this sensitive subject with the grace, strength, and finesse of a seasoned New York City ballet dancer. His presentation was one of a kind, heartfelt and deeply impactful. He is, in every way, a true gentleman who speaks from the depths of his heart.
Following the assembly, my freshman daughter shared how enlightening the experience had been for her. Suicide is a subject we hadn’t yet discussed, and in our conversation afterward, she told me, ‘Dad, this was a heavy topic, one we don’t often talk about. Thank you for bringing him here today.’
There is little more to say except thank you. Thank you for your passion and unwavering dedication to addressing an issue that affects so many but is often hidden from view until it’s too late. We are truly grateful.
Yours in Education,
Marc Weisgold
Elementary Principal
Elk Lake Elementary, Springville, PA
marc.weisgold@elklakeschool.org
570-278-1106 Ext. 731
Suicide is such a sensitive and even taboo subject but phrases such as “go kill yourself” or “go shoot yourself” are being used so casually in our school that we knew we had to address it. John Perricone had previously inspired and uplifted our staff and students during the challenging times of COVID, so when he introduced a new program on Suicide Prevention, we entrusted our students to him. The outcome was truly remarkable.
John connected with both staff and students on so many levels, building strong bonds. Following his presentation, parents reached out to express gratitude for bringing John to South Kortright, as his impactful talk initiated meaningful conversations at home. Through this experience, we identified students facing challenges that were previously unknown to us, highlighting the need for deeper engagement in cultivating empathy and compassion.
In essence, Mr. Perricone’s Suicide Prevention presentation surpassed our expectations and achieved our objectives. It resonated with students and staff alike, providing invaluable guidance for our ongoing efforts in supporting mental health and well-being.
Jill Doroski
Principal
South Kortright Central School
jdoroski@skcs.org 607-538-9111 x330
Mr. Perricone beautifully navigated this sensitive topic of preventing suicide with students. He unwittingly made every student in the auditorium feel as if he were speaking directly to them as individuals and reinforced that they are enough and that they are loved. He equipped students with tools to see the warning signs and strategies to help those who are contemplating. Many students came forward after the assembly to offer thanks and tell their story of how they will use their pain for purpose. It takes a special person to be able to broach this subject with our youth. I wouldn’t want anyone else but Mr. Perricone to deliver this message.
Angela Reder
Curriculum/Assessment Coordinator
Belle Fourche School District 9-1
Angela.Reder@k12.sd.us
605-723-3367
John Perricone is an outstanding orator and can capture and hold his audience’s attention with riveting stories and research designed to increase awareness, advocacy, and proactive approaches related to suicide prevention. Suicide is a complicated topic, but it’s too important to ignore.Unfortunately, we have an epidemic of young people seeking hope and a way out of isolation and darkness. They typically do not want to die but to make it through a grim time, losing hope when their distress exceeds their capacity to cope. Mr. Perricone has the gift of calling everyday heroes that earn their character stripes in the trenches, many of whom are students and educators, into action to spread hope concurrently with a plan of action not only to survive but to thrive in life.References for the Student Program “Preventing Suicide”
Rodney Mittelstedt, Principal, Huron High School, Huron School District, Huron, South Dakota
Rodney.Mittelstedt@k12.sd.us 605-353-7800
Linda Pietz, Director of Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment, Huron School District, Huron, South Dakota
Linda.Pietz@k12.sd.us 605-353-6992
Marc Weisgold, Elementary Principal, Elk Lake Elementary, Springville, PA
marc.weisgold@elklakeschool.org 570-278-1106 Ext. 731
Jill Doroski, Principal, South Kortright Central School, South Kortright, New York,
jdoroski@skcs.org 607-538-9111 x330
Marc Freeman,Shikellamy High School Principal, Sunbury, PA
freemanm@shikbraves.org 570-286-3700
Angela Reder, Curriculum/Assessment Coordinator, Belle Fourche School District 9-1
Belle Fourche School, South Dakota, Angela.Reder@k12.sd.us 605-723-3367
Dr. Mark Britzman, Clinical Psychologist,International Glasser Scholar
markjbritzman@gmail.com
During the assembly, John not only imparted practical methods but also shared valuable resources with students, equipping them to support and intervene on behalf of those contemplating suicide. Beyond the formal presentation, John’s commitment extended far beyond as he devoted over an hour post-assembly to personally connect with students, allowing them to share their individual struggles. This personalized approach underscored his genuine concern and care for the youth of our nation.
Without reservation, I wholeheartedly recommend John as a speaker for your school. I am confident that he made a profound impact, potentially saving lives on the day of the assembly and in the days to come.
Marc Freeman
Shikellamy High School Principal
Sunbury, PA
freemanm@shikbraves.org
570-286-3700