Catch The Wave, Student Lives Saved
National School Chaplains Association
Lifeguards are on duty all summer, but who are on the lookout for distressed students at school? Suicide prevention starts early. School Chaplains see troubled waters. They dive in before the riptide takes hold. Catch the stories of students who caught the lifeline.
Every September, the world is focused on Suicide Prevention Month. It matters that school chaplains are on campus all day, every day. Actual life-saving student stories are shared in this article.
Suicide rarely happens suddenly. More often, there is a silent build up of hopelessness, confusion, social pressure or any number of reasons. Especially for young students, little problems can seem enormous when managed alone. Chaplains who are consistently present at school become acutely aware of the students and the atmosphere around them. Any changes are perceived early and addressed.
Rescue 1
A student was found breaking school rules. The Chaplain discovered that the root of her problem was grief. Her mother had died, and the student perceived her father to be distant. Isolation and despair led to misbehavior, but the chaplain helped improve their communication so they could cope together.
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Rescue 2
— An accidental vehicle fatality occurred on school campus. The chaplain was readily available to manage the emotionally traumatized students who witnessed it, and briefed the police on arrival. Care in the aftermath continued by helping the family and the school through the grieving process.
Rescue 3 - Warning flags: Students missing more than three days in a six-week period signals a significant risk. Chaplaincy improves graduation rates; not by scolding absenteeism, but by addressing the root. When listening to what is said (and not said); students feel valued, and the need to belong is satisfied. Ineffective coping skills are bolstered by insights in faith. Students begin to feel empowered and hopeful.
Rescue 4 - A simple and short discussion with one habitually tardy boy, helped him discover integrity. The ah-ha moment came through the biblical concept that those who are faithful in little, will be trusted with much. No one had ever talked with him like that. For the first time, he saw himself becoming someone people could trust. Integrity was born and his grades improved. Chaplains help change the trajectory toward academic and career success for the future.
Rescue 5 - Performance anxiety issues almost cost a thriving student his professional sports opportunity. Fortunately, through faith-over-fear counseling, the chaplain helped the student overcome anxiety. Loss of college scholarship was averted.
Violence and risky behaviors
Chaplains notice the warning signs. Hopelessly depressed or angry students look for an escape. Addictions or lashing out are the symptoms of deep pain or trauma. Ultimately, suicide is perceived as the last resort.
Faith is a place that some students have not explored. For some students, spiritual rescue may only be available to them at school. Depending on the need, chaplains collaborate with licensed professional counselors. A multidisciplinary approach is comprehensively effective.
Children with invisible trauma are especially at risk. A life un-lived is paralyzed by fear and hopelessness.
Suicide Prevention
Rescue 6 - A student was cutting herself. The school chaplain took time to get to know her and helped her see her way out of a toxic and dangerous relationship. Healthy coping skills were developed. Another life was saved, yet it could have easily been missed. On the outside, all seemed well. She had been flying under the radar; making good grades, participating in activities, and had friends.
Rescue 7 - During the 24-2025 school year, a chaplain spent time with a student who was suicidal. The seriousness of this was reported to the proper authorities. And the chaplain continued providing one-on-one care. The meaning-of-life was restored and the student regained resiliency —another proof of life-saving care.
Rescue 8 - Another chaplain helped an emotionally troubled senior who did not think his life was worth living, and he questioned if God even cared about him. Through chaplain care, the student discovered several lies that he had been believing. Rejection was replaced with a new sense of belonging and self-worth. On graduation night, he came to the chaplain and said: "Thank you, I would not have made it without you."
A Texas School Called In The Chaplaincy Team - It has changed the atmosphere of our schools and district.
The Saturday before school began, Pastor Steve Boyer received a 7 a.m. text; “Can you and some Chaplains meet with us at the gym at noon? We have a situation that needs some assistance.”
Upon arrival, they were informed that a rising senior had died by suicide the previous night. School administration wanted to inform her classmates before the news hit social media.
For the following two hours the chaplains prayed and ministered to friends, students, parents, teachers and staff. Leading two different groups in prayer and providing God’s comfort in a difficult time was impactful.
One of the chaplains approached him and said, “You are right. You never know when you are going to get one of those phone calls.” That chaplain’s daughter was the young student’s best friend.
The fallout from a suicide is a devastating reminder to those who are passionate about prevention.
The Good News
Prevention is in our reach. With your help, more lives can be saved. Students begin to recognize that the chaplain is trustworthy and available. Chaplains listen to what is said (and not said). Struggling students feel valued, and the need to belong is satisfied. Ineffective coping skills are bolstered by insights in faith. Students begin to feel empowered and hopeful. The meaning of life and the excitement to live is reborn.
Jesus said in John 10:10 (ESV) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
NEXT STEPS
Every school deserves chaplaincy. Whether preventing suicide, averting violence, homicide, teen pregnancies, failing grades, dropout or simply helping students cope with everyday issues: Chaplains are making a difference. Request NSCA trained chaplains at your school. Share this article and enjoy the following 60-second video reels.
Be a part of the rescue by supporting the lifeguards in the schoolyard.
Find out more in the two books mentioned below and explore The National School Chaplains Association website: www.nsca.global
First Book in Series
