Suicide Victim's Mother and Father Confirm Son Faced Bullying
Drew Ferraro committed suicide by jumping to his death in the quad at Crescenta Valley High School on Feb. 10.
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Drew Ferraro's parents announced that after reading their son's journal, bullying could be a factor in his suicide, according to KCBS-TV.
Now, they are advocating for anti-bullying in local schools and creating a foundation in Drew's name.
Glendale Unified School District Superintendent Richard Sheehan has said that bullying was not a factor in Ferraro's suicide. Crescenta Valley High School Principal Michele Doll, however, has been understanding of the bullying issue, the parents told KCBS-TV.
Sheriff's Department investigators have said that the four suicide notes Ferraro left did not mention bullying, Sheriff's Lt. John Corina told Patch.
"It was hard. I was in disbelief. Surreal, because he left that morning, and he was happy," Deana Ferraro told KCBS-TV.
"The fact that he did do it at school, to me, was a huge statement," Deana said.
His parents found from reading his journal that for nine months he was bullied at school--not just by other boys--but a group of girls, KCBS reported.
"There [was] a lot of name calling," Deana said. "There was pushing down the hall."
"They just didn't like the way he looked. They just found anything to pick on," Deana said. "From reading his journal now, it was just tormenting him."
"There are other parents who have kids who go to this school who are being bullied," John Ferraro said.
To ensure this doesn't happen again, the Ferraros are starting an anti-bullying foundation and will have a fundraising event called Drew's Voice, Our Voice at noon on March 4 at Leo's All Star Sports Bar. The Ferraro family and community members will host a weenie roast, car show and Battle of the Bands event.
The Ferraros want other local families and kids to prevent teen suicide and bullying.
"If somebody looks upset, hand them a tissue, pat them on the back--it makes a difference," Deana said. "Teenagers, children, don't realize the impact of their words. Words scar and they hurt."
Drew had four letters on him the day he killed himself. His mother said the most powerful was to her, where he said he was finally happy.
“Had he told me what was going on, I would have taken him out of school,” Deana said.
In This article
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Drew's Voice: Weenie Roast, Car Show, Battle of the Bands
March 4, 2012 at 11:00 am–11:00 pm -
Crescenta Valley High School
2900 Community Ave, La Crescenta, CA -
Los Angeles County Sheriff, Crescenta Valley Station
4554 Briggs Ave, La Crescenta, CA
S. Silver
11:56 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Everyone feels bad for what has happened but bullying has gone on forever and the best advice parents can give their children is to report it when it happens and to take steps to protect themselves from any adverse action taken against them. Unfortunately, coping skills are overlooked and it is not beneficial to run away from the problems. What is to say what happened at Crescenta High would not happen at another school. We can legislate all we want - kids will still pick at each other. What about putting money into teaching good social skills. Helping our kids take care of themselves so that if they do get picked on they know how to cope.
nvite
4:59 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Things we do know:
This young man took the time to prepare for school on his last day.
He came to school and attended the first half of his scheduled day.
He waited until lunch time to find one of the most visible places on campus to take his own life. He could have chosen almost anywhere to end his life but made it a point to do it in broad daylight, at CVHS.
What we don't know:
Who or what was tormenting him, to the point where he would do harm to himself.
If your children attend this school, you should be actively concerned. Could this happen to my kid? What can I do to prevent such a thing? Talk to your kid(s). Take an active interest in their school environment. That's one of the best ways to promote their wellbeing, while they're away from you.
concerned parent
9:19 am on Wednesday, February 29, 2012
My kid was going to CV and was absolutely miserable because of the teasing and bullying he was experiencing, so we moved him to another school. He is now a lot happier and doesn't experience the bullying anymore. I think there is a really bad problem at CV with this issue and something needs to be done before another tragedy happens!