By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

RESERVE – When tragedy strikes, it cuts a wide swath. From the victim to their family to their neighbors to — in the case of 15-year-old Taylor Adams — their classmates and teachers, the effects ripple and warp through a wide range of people.

When Riverside Academy Principal Perry DiCarlo learned of last weekend’s murder, he and the other school administrators knew there would be much healing to do throughout their community.

“The kids were very frightened,” said DiCarlo.

What’s more, although the school has a counselor on staff, the counselor was very close to Adams, so it was felt she might not be able to handle the situation with the objectivity required. That’s when DiCarlo called upon his ties to the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School System — he is a 20-year veteran of the district — to secure a little help in Riverside’s hour of need.

DiCarlo brought in three grief counselors from the system to help the students and staff get through this particularly difficult time.

“I’m glad we’ve got a working relationship,” he said. “It helps administrators because a lot of times we’re too close to the situation.”

The counselors’ first order of business was to visit Adams’ homeroom class, where they let the students know it was OK to feel whatever emotions they were feeling. They also tried to dispel any misplaced feelings of guilt the students might have.

The counselors were also available for one-on-one sessions for those students who felt the need. It was a service DiCarlo said many took advantage of.

Visits were also made to some of Adams’ classes.

“Taylor really enjoyed reading ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and was really involved in the discussion,” said DiCarlo.

The counselors tried to help the students deal with the void.

DiCarlo also mentioned Adams’ close relationship with biology teacher Angie Klibert. He said on the Friday before the murder, Adams bought lunch for Klibert and later wrote “I love you, Ms. Klibert” on the board. Those words remained there as a painful reminder of the school’s loss on Monday. Accordingly, the counselors paid a visit to that class as well.

The counselors returned on Tuesday and remain on call should their services be required for students or staff.

The school tried to help in the healing process in other ways, too.

Those who felt too overwhelmed by the situation were allowed to go home. Additionally, no tests were given on Monday or Tuesday.

Once the grieving is over, DiCarlo hopes the students are able to come away from the situation a little bit stronger and wiser.

“Hopefully, kids will see both the positives and negatives of using social media,” he said. “Hopefully they got that lesson.”

Next week, the school plans to close this painful chapter with a memorial service for Adams.

Part of the service will include letter writing and a balloon release.

Said DiCarlo, “It’s kind of a reflection of letting everything out and getting some closure.”