Island grieves untimely loss of student
BY STEVE SHEPPARD
Shock, sadness and emotion gripped the island Monday as classes resumed and students grieved the loss of classmate Vaughn Mitchell Peterson, who took his own life at home Saturday afternoon. Peterson was 15-years-old and a freshman at Nantucket High School.

Vaughn Mitchell Peterson, 15, was a freshman at Nantucket High School.

School administrators and counselors, along with representatives from island counseling services met at the high school Saturday as soon as word of the tragedy reached them. Counseling sessions began that afternoon as students seeking guidance and support arrived at the school. By Sunday afternoon, close to 100 students had taken advantage of counseling provided by the schools, Nantucket Behavioral Health Services, A Safe Place, Nantucket Hospice and the island's Interfaith Council.

Student assemblies were held at the high school before classes began and again at the end of the school day on Monday. A large bulletin board in the high school's main hallway, backed in Peterson's favorite color blue, was filled with student messages, remembrances and poems dedicated to him. Students, some wearing yellow ribbons, gathered quietly to read what classmates had written, and their hushed voices reflected the somber mood that filled the halls.

The sense of loss hit hard as students not only knew Vaughn Peterson but many had close contact with his mother, Linda Peterson, the schools' director of food services.

"This has been a very difficult day," high school principal George Kelly told students Monday afternoon, while praising them for their composure and conduct throughout the day. Island clergy, school guidance staff and counselors reminded students of their availability and urged them to call at any time.

"There's a lot of support in place for the students," Nantucket Elementary School counselor Lisa Hood said. "That is really important, and the kids have responded."

Peterson's family also stressed the importance of counseling, saying they realized the days and weeks to come would be hard, not only for them, but for many on the island. Peterson's sister, Vanessa Orozco, was at the school Sunday and addressed students during Monday morning's assembly.

She also spoke to parents and islanders at a meeting held in the high school auditorium that night. In an emotional address, she appealed to the audience to reach out. "Nobody knew my brother was sad," she said. "He was fifteen . . . he didn't know where his life was going to lead him. ... If students feel depressed they need to talk with someone," she said.

She read a message from her mother, Linda, whose words were written for those she knew best, the students. "My message to you is to think twice before entering into a negative situation ... stay focused."

In her message she reiterated the need for communication. "If you have any issues, speak to someone. ... Maybe we can help each other."

The tragedy reached beyond the schools, as islanders who knew the long-time Nantucket family grieved as well. Dr. Stephanie Wuebbens, clinical director of Nantucket Behavioral Health Services, said the response of islanders, and the public schools in particular, was exemplary. "The community came together to support each other at a difficult time," she said.

Schools superintendent Dr. Robert Pellicone said the reaction of islanders, and the willingness of different counseling agencies and clergy to work with the schools, proved that "when Nantucket has a crisis it pulls together."

Counselors also reached out to the Boys and Girls Club and the Nantucket New School, making it clear they would be available to any student, or adult, in the weeks and months to come. "This is a long process," Peter Swenson of Nantucket Behaviorial Health Services said.

That sentiment was echoed by educators and counselors alike. "We'll continue to have counseling as long as necessary," school health director Nancy Larrabee said. "The children are releasing and talking, but there's still a long way to go."

"We're all very concerned for our students who have lost a classmate and friend," Kelly told community members and parents Monday night.

As the schools strive to hear the concerns of island students, the Peterson family copes with the untimely loss of a brother and son. Vanessa Orozco spoke Monday afternoon of Vaughn's life. "He was active in school sports; he enjoyed surfing at Cisco, sailing - anything outdoor-related and Vaughn was there."

She recalled his love of music, in particular the groups Aerosmith, Motley Crue, Kiss and Van Halen. He also took pleasure from painting and drawing. "He was very artistic," she said.

Like many island students, he enjoyed working, and over the summer bused tables at 29 Fair Street. He was also willing to give of himself, and volunteered at Our Island Home.

"He was always polite, and kind," she said.

Vaughn Peterson was born on Nantucket on March 24, 1991. He is survived by his mother, Linda, and sisters Vanessa, Veronica and Victoria Orozco. Funeral arrangements were not complete

at press time. I

HELP NUMBERS

School guidance counselors and island counseling services are available to talk to any person, student or adult. The following telephone numbers are from the public school Web site:

+ Samarateen - 1-800-252-TEEN (8336) + Nantucket Behavioral Health Crisis Hotline: 228-2689 + School Adjustment Counselor Cathy Lepore: 508-332-9451