Carson Hoyt, a beloved Son, friend and community member died by suicide on June 13, 2021. He was 15 years old and had just completed Grade 9 at Hampton High School. This year, 2024, would have been his graduating year. However, despite a decades-long tradition of allowing memorials for deceased students in the yearbook, Hampton High School and Anglophone School District South have chosen to not include a memorial for Carson, citing suicide contagion as their reason.

This decision has deeply hurt his family and friends who believe that Carson deserves to be remembered like every other student who has passed away. The manner of his death should not diminish his rights to be acknowledged alongside his peers.

Suicide is a serious issue that affects many young people across Canada - approximately one out of every four reported youth suicides are by children between the ages of 13 & 19 (source: Canadian Mental Health Association). Instead of ignoring and erasing these tragedies from our collective memory, we should be having open and honest conversations to raise awareness about mental health issues and suicide awareness amongst our youth. Stigma and prejudice are real, and should have no place in our schools.

We call on Hampton High School and Anglophone School District South to reverse their decision and allow Carson's memorial to appear in this year's yearbook. This decision will not only help honor Carson's memory, but also sends a strong message that all student's lives matter, regardless of how they ended.

Please sign this petition if you believe in equality for Carson and for all those who have lost their lives to such a horrible illness.