A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO COMMEND PALMETTO MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR ITS INSTITUTION OF "YOU MATTER DAY" IN MEMORY OF AUSTIN SMITH, A FORMER SEVENTH GRADE STUDENT AT PALMETTO MIDDLE, IN ORDER TO RAISE SUICIDE AWARENESS AMONG STUDENTS AND ASSURE THEM THAT THEIR LIVES MATTER IN THIS WORLD.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is pleased to learn that Palmetto Middle School has partnered with the family of former student Austin Smith to turn loss into legacy; and

 

Whereas, Austin Smith, a seventh grade student at Palmetto Middle, died by suicide on March 30, 2020. His teachers saw him as an amazing young man with a quirky sense of humor, a bright mind, and a maturity that set him apart from others. His classmates recognized Austin as a kind-hearted kid who was always making others laugh; and

 

Whereas, in March 2025, on the fifth anniversary of Austin's passing, the school began to remember Austin formally by hosting the inaugural "You Matter Day." For the occasion, students and staff wore teal and purple, the colors for suicide awareness; and

 

Whereas, on March 26, 2026, the school held its second-annual "You Matter Day," and Austin's mother, Chrissy Davis, joined the commemoration. Students and staff again wore teal and purple, and staff members lined the hallways and greeted students as they entered the building. Each student received a teal and purple ribbon and a cardstock message that read, "You Matter"; and

 

Whereas, so that the loss of Austin can be turned into a legacy of reminding teenagers that they matter, Palmetto Middle will continue to host "You Matter Day" every March near the anniversary date of Austin's passing. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, commend Palmetto Middle School for its institution of "You Matter Day" in memory of Austin Smith, a former seventh grade student at Palmetto Middle, in order to raise suicide awareness among students and assure them that their lives matter in this world.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Stacey McDonald of Palmetto Middle School.

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