Our community cannot forget Drew Ferraro - nor should we.
Several days following his suicide, and on this Valentine's Day, local educators requested community cards saying 'I CARE.' I am writing this open letter as a Montrose resident to Drew's family, students, CVHS teachers and administration because I believe that our community has an immediate call to action and should demand answers.
To Drew's family, I offer you my sincere condolences during this incredibly difficult time. Please know an entire network of parents, neighbors and friends are by your side and grieve with you. I hope our community remembers Drew's spirit, the people he touched and joy he brought.
To students and educators at , I believe the school community can clearly say that tormenting others is not and -- will never be -- tolerable. As a community, we need to demand change and continue a dialogue about bullying, whether that be with school counselors, in plays like , with others at Crescenta-Canada YMCA, Crescenta Valley Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coalition, Firehouse or with local church or religious groups.
We need more information about this tragic death. I urge Glendale Unified School District and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to clarify how teasing or bullying was not a factor in Drew Ferraro's death when . , according to sheriff's officials. The exact reason was not immediately released due to a pending investigation.
Like you, I feel left with only questions and unexplained responses. Why did Drew take his life? What happened to upset him so deeply? How will our area children and families recover?
It's going to take time, support and a new approach toward local kids. I encourage anyone who sees bullying or hears about it to step up, say something and end it immediately. Our children are begging to make it stop. Our area can't afford to lose another child and if it's support that local kids need, then it's our responsibility to find a mode or method of grieving.
On Tuesday, Drew's family and friends will remember him by wearing black. There will be an optional prayer service at 7:30 a.m. in front of the Auditorium and students will receive 'I CARE' Valentine's Day cards created by several thousand locals to help in the healing process.
I'll be at CVHS, ready to support the community and remembering Drew long after the broadcast news vans disappear. Will you be there for our children, our community? Where do you think we should go from here?
