Second Suicide In Two Weeks Jolts Puyallup High Students

PUYALLUP - High-school students here are mourning the death of another student today - the second suicide involving a Puyallup High student in two weeks.

Not much is known about the latest suicide. It's believed to have taken place yesterday afternoon at the home of the student, a junior. Two weeks ago, a popular 16-year-old football player took his life.

Although school officials say yesterday's death does not appear to be connected to the recent events that have rocked this suburban high school, the news has added more pain for students to endure.

A crisis team and additional counselors were on hand to help students cope with their grief. It comes at a time when the Puyallup School District is beset with allegations of racism.

Last Sunday, hundreds of racist pamphlets were tossed onto lawns in this Pierce County city.

Earlier last week, the district received a phone call from a man who threatened to kill the high school's 47 black students. School officials informed the parents of black students they could keep their children home if they felt unsafe, and some students stayed home for two days.

On Oct. 11, two students at the high school were arrested after a fight between black and white students. That fight resulted from a confrontation in the parking lot during an informal memorial service for the 16-year-old who killed himself.

And last month, a white student was suspended for painting his face black for a senior-class picture. School officials said today they have concluded their investigation into the incident and determined the student's actions weren't intended to be offensive.

Students, schools and community leaders have responded by organizing several events, including a peace rally this coming Sunday at the city's Pioneer Park.

Although the pressure has been difficult for some to bear, the environment at school is "close to normal," said Puyallup High School Principal Wanda Berndtson.

This week, students have been participating in peer-mediation training and anti-violence workshops.

Answers on how to resolve racial tension in the district will "come from the students," Berndtson said.

Lisa Pemberton-Butler's phone-message number is 253-946-3977. Her e-mail address is lpemberton@seattletimes.com