12/6/12 - Linden High School students organized a candlelight vigil at the Linden Mill Pond last night in memory of a local teen who committed suicide on November 27th. Josh Pacheco lived in Fenton and was a junior at Linden High School. He came out as gay earlier in the school year, and his parents blame his suicide late last month on bullying. Last nightâs candlelight vigil was organized by Senior Shaelyn Gifford who tells WHMI that she wanted to find a way to honor her friendâs memory. She says she originally planned an event at the school but was concerned with the tone it would take, so she decided instead to hold a candlelight vigil at the mill pond. She says people called her when they heard about the event and offered to donate or contribute. Well over 100 people attended the vigil, where they were invited to step up and speak about Josh or their own experiences with bullying to encourage others who might be experiencing similar problems. Linden High students made up much of the audience, and even those who did not know Josh personally chose to speak out against bullying. (TD)
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