Chandler Unified student-athletes focused on suicide prevention
Independent Newsmedia file/Jason W. Brooks
Arizona College Prep quarterback Evan Heinrich throws a pass in a November 2024 playoff game against Estrella Foothills.
Hamilton H.S. Cheer via Instagram
Olivia Schmidt speaks during an Instagram public-service announcement about a hotline for East Valley teens who are having thoughts of suicide. Schmidt and about five other Chandler Unified student-athletes have recorded PSAs this fall as part of Suicide Prevention month.
Like any quarterback, Evan Heinrich likes to believe he can look downfield and find open receivers.
Heinrich and at least a handful of other Chandler Unified high school student-athletes are hoping to do more than excel in competition this month; they’re hoping to save lives.
About six Chandler student-athletes are trying to make a difference on campus this school year, especially during September, which is Suicide Prevention Month.
They’re part of this year’s Messages of Hope campaign from an organization called Teen Lifeline, recognizing and finding solutions to address teen suicide and similar problems, making public-service announcements about the hotline and to encourage anyone struggling to reach out for help.
Heinrich, a senior at Arizona College Prep, said it’s others confiding in him that made it easy to start reaching out and being of service.
“Some peers have reached out to me, and talked about serious problems they’ve had,” Heinrich said. “I’m grateful they did that and trusted me. So if I’m out there wearing the ACP uniform and am sort of the face of the school, in some ways, I feel I should be willing to listen and help others out.”
The Chandler teens are teaming up with 40 high school athletes across Arizona to encourage their fellow students to reach out for help when they’re struggling.
“I know that those of us who are in sports or other activities, not everyone on campus has the same struggles as us,” Heinrich said. “And every school has different challenges. But there are places where we can relate, like expectations and pressure around grades or stressing about plans after high school, or just fitting in.”
Joining Heinrich in representing CUSD in this program are Basha High School junior football player Barry Adams, Basha pom team member Taryn Sanders, Chandler High cheerleaders Khloe Earl and Peyton West and Hamilton cheerleader Olivia Schmidt.
Schmidt, also a senior, said her attention to the subject was heightened by a close friend going through a time of withdrawal and near-crisis. She said even if students don’t necessarily reach out to peers offering to help, getting a list of resources out to everyone is key.
“I am open to asking for help and I try to keep a well-rounded group of friends,” she said. “And I want everyone to feel included. And if that doesn’t happen, I want to change the narrative that it’s OK to struggle. It’s OK to reach out and say you’re not doing well.”
Heinrich added that having at least a handful of friends who are sort of check-in partners really helps.
“Just reaching out to those who don’t even seem like they’re struggling, to say ‘You good?’ — that can really make a difference,” Heinrich said.
Jason W. Brooks News Editor | Chandler Independent
Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.
Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.
Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.
Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.
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