The Solon Community School District (SCSD) will be hosting a community-wide event Sunday, Sept. 7 with a showing of the film My Ascension, a documentary about Emma Benoit, a young woman from Ascension Parrish (county), Louisianna who attempted suicide at the age of 16 and became paralyzed as a result.

According to Benoit’s My Ascension Project, 20 students commit suicide daily.

Following the screening, Benoit will do a Q&A session with a message focusing on inspiring teens and young people to choose life.

The event is sponsored by the Mental Health Matters 5k in memory of Jeff Vipond, a 2016 Xavier HS graduate and U of I student who committed suicide in 2019. The annual run, in memory of those who have died by suicide and their loved ones, benefits Foundation II Crisis services.

The free event is open to the community and runs 1-3:00 p.m.

September is suicide prevention and awareness month.