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Saint Mark’s High School is pleased to announce a brand-new initiative focused on student mental health. In partnership with the SL24:Unlocke the Light Foundation and Sean’s House, Saint Mark’s has established Sean’s Room, a classroom that has been converted into a type of lounge for students to relax, ask questions and learn about mental health. Sean’s Room will be staffed by University of Delaware trained peer specialists two days per week during lunch periods. The specialists will work closely with the Saint Mark’s guidance staff to keep continuity of care consistent while handling everyday student concerns. “We recognize that students need a space to call their own, somewhere they can unwind and let go of the stress of the day,” said Principal Diane Casey. “The room will serve two purposes. Students who would like to meet with a trained peer specialist will be able to do so in a relaxed and comfortable setting. But the room will also be available for students who just need a few minutes of quiet during their day to reset and regroup. It will be a place where they can pause, take a deep breath, and then head off to math class refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of their day,”she said. Nationally, mental health issues have skyrocketed in recent years. According to the SL24:Unlocke the Light Foundation’s website, over 35 million people suffer from depression. While the death rate from cancer has been declining since 2000, the death rate by suicide has been exponentially rising. SL24:Unlocke the Light was established in memory of Sean Locke, a graduate of Saint Mark’s and the University of Delaware, who lost his battle to depression in 2018. The Foundation’s mission includes educating high school and college students about the signs of depression, removing the stigma of depression and making resources available to those in need. SL24:Unlocke the Light established Sean’s House on the University of Delaware campus as a safe haven where high school and college students can receive professional help and speak to peers about their struggles with depression and the threat of suicide. Sean’s Room is an offshoot of Sean’s House and will be the first of its kind. Funds for Sean’s Room were provided by an anonymous donor. Chris Locke is Sean’s father, founder of SL24:Unlocke the Light and a member of the Saint Mark’s Advisory Board. “SL24: UnLocke The Light Foundation is truly honored to partner with Saint Mark's High School to create the first Sean's Room. It is our hope that this place will be a mini Sean's House for students to be able to have the resources they need in dealing with any mental health challenges,” he said. “The opening of Sean's Room at Sean’s alma mater is extra special as he loved being a Spartan. It is our hope that Sean's Room will be one of many throughout the State of Delaware.”