In a heartbreaking turn of events, a 14-year-old girl from Vermont, Isabelle Vezina-Dykema, tragically lost her life after enduring relentless bullying at school.
The pain and struggles faced by young people today are more pronounced than ever, and Isabelle’s story is a poignant reminder of the urgent need for awareness and change.
The Struggles of a Young Teen
Isabelle, who lived in Winooski, near Burlington, was a student at Mill School, an alternative high school designed for those with complex needs.
Despite the supportive environment, she found herself targeted by bullies both in person and online.
The cruel comments, which mocked her appearance and her mother, weighed heavily on her young heart.
Heather Miller, Isabelle’s mother, had been grappling with serious health issues, including recovery from brain surgery that affected her eyelid.
On the day of Isabelle’s tragic decision, Heather recalled her daughter coming home visibly upset from school.
Although she tried to give Isabelle space to process her emotions, she had no idea just how deep the pain had become.
A Mother’s Heartbreak
Reflecting on the devastating day, Heather expressed her profound sorrow to WCAX, saying, “I thought I was doing the right thing, but in 35 minutes our whole lives changed.”
She described Isabelle as “spunky” and “outgoing,” someone who loved to dance and was excited about starting high school.
“She was determined to succeed,” Heather recalled, remembering Isabelle’s optimism about her freshman year.
On September 15th, the day Isabelle died, Heather shared the devastating news with her loved ones.
“My world stopped today. We lost our precious Isabelle Vezina.
I am forever changed. I cannot and will not ever be the same without my baby girl,” she wrote, her words filled with sorrow.
“Fourteen years with you wasn’t even close to enough. I am consumed with a pain too immense to measure.”
Celebrating Isabelle’s Spirit
Isabelle was known for her vibrant personality, engaging in activities like sports, ice skating, baking, cooking, dancing, and making TikTok videos with friends.
Her obituary captured her bright spirit, stating she was destined to be a “huge personality.”
Heather took solace in knowing that Isabelle’s organs were able to help others, saving seven lives and giving sight to a child.
“Her brain was received by autism research, which is a cause dear to us,” Heather shared, highlighting the impact Isabelle continues to have even in her absence.
In a touching post, Heather shared a photo of an urn containing Isabelle’s ashes, writing, “This isn’t how you were supposed to come home.
I miss you so much, baby. The pain is unbearable, but we are doing everything we can to honor you and help others.”
The School’s Response and a Growing Concern
The Mill School has launched an investigation into the bullying allegations, though details remain sparse.
In a statement, officials expressed their grief, saying, “We are devastated by the loss of one of our students.
We are working with the appropriate agencies and continue to provide counseling support.”
Unfortunately, teen suicides are becoming alarmingly common in Vermont, with at least one incident reported each year since 2019 among 14-year-olds.
Matt Wolf, a community organizer with Vermont Afterschool, noted that adolescents often experience emotions intensely and may feel trapped by their circumstances.
According to the Vermont Department of Mental Health, one-third of high school students report poor mental health, a statistic that raises red flags for Chris Allen from VDMH.
He emphasized the need for addressing bullying in a more therapeutic way, suggesting that this could lead to a decrease in such harmful behavior.
Honoring Isabelle’s Memory
In a show of support for Isabelle’s memory, her family is hosting a celebration of life event at Waterworks Park, next to the skate park in Burlington, on Saturday, September 28th, from 2 to 9 PM.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-8255, offering confidential support and assistance.
Let’s honor Isabelle’s legacy by fostering kindness and compassion in our communities, ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles.
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