12/5/12 - A vigil is planned tonight to honor the memory of Linden High School student whose parents say took his own life after being bullied for his sexual preference. Hundreds attended 17-year-old Josh Pachecoâs funeral this past Saturday. He was a junior at Linden High School and committed suicide at his Fenton home November 27th. His mother and stepfather say they didnât find out about the bullying until after his death when contacted by friends and parents saying he had been pushed into lockers and teased at school. She told MLive.com that her son was gay and that led to him being bullied both inside and outside of school. The Linden district is now working to address bullying and suicide and possible new programs to help students feel more comfortable talking to administrators. Superintendent Ed Koledo said just because there were no reports of Pacheco being bullied doesnât mean it doesnât exist and discussions are underway to bring in speakers to address bullying and suicide. The district also stepped up implementation of a bullying hotline following Pachecoâs death. The Eagle Hotline offers a tool for students to text incidents of bullying they may have witnessed or experienced to 810-373-2131. Meanwhile, Linden High School students plan to gather and remember Pacheco at a vigil. Itâs planned at 6:00 tonight at the Mill Pond gazebo.
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