Update: Pine-Richland Offers Counseling in Wake of Student's Death

Pine-Richland School District has activated its Crisis Intervention Team and will have school psychologists and counselors available after a high school senior died at home Monday.

“This significant loss raises many emotions, concerns and questions for our entire school, especially our students,” Interim Superintendent Dr. David Foley said in a statement emailed to parents and guardians Tuesday “Information is very limited. As in all cases involving individual students, we need to be sensitive to the privacy of the family, during this difficult time.”

St. Richard Catholic Church in Richland also will hold a special service for the student at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the church, located at 3841 Dickey Road. 

All teens, friends and family, no matter their religious background, are invited to the gathering. 

The prayer service also will include music, scripture and candle light ceremony. A light reception in the social hall will follow the service.

Prayer teams from the parish and counselors from Anchorpoint Counseling Ministries also will be at the gathering.

Donations may also be made to the “Matthew Graf Memorial Fund at First Niagara Bank” at any branch location.

The family is asking for donations in lieu of flowers, according to Jacquelyn M. Heffner, branch manager at the First Niagra Bank located at the Richland Mall.

Heffner said donations initially would go for funeral expenses, then toward the start up of a foundation.  

As another resource, Pine-Richland school counselors may be reached by calling the school's main office. Pine-Richland schools lead psychologist Maura Paczan and/or PR school psychologist Melissa Ramirez are available at 724-443-7230, ext. 6500.

The district also recommends contacting the Caring Place, a grieving center for children, adults and families located in Pittsburgh and in the Warrendale/Cranberry area. Click here for the Caring Place's website.

The district also activated its Crisis Intervention Team last January after the death of freshman student at home.

“Our primary concern is with the care and well-being of our students, families and staff members,” Foley said. “When we lose a student, we lose a member of our school family.”