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
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.
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