• Helping Children Cope with Loss-English

• Helping Children Cope with Loss-Spanish

• The National Grief Center for Children & Families (Dougy Center)

THE PASSING OF SILVER BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT EMILY HEATH  
A Message from SBHS Principal Dr. Katie Hawks (January 25, 2024)

Yesterday, Emily Heath, a deeply loved Silver Bluff High School student was involved in a tragic car accident on Green Pond Road near our campus. It is with tremendous sadness we share that she did not survive. Emily was a senior at our school and was actively engaged throughout her years at Silver Bluff. She was well-known and a friend to all who knew her through her classes, participation in clubs and student organizations, and her many years cheering her older brother on from the sidelines of our football field. Her energy and enthusiasm were contagious. In addition to her involvement at Silver Bluff, Emily was studying Health Science at the Aiken County Career and Technology Center and was looking forward to pursuing nursing through Aiken Technical College following graduation. She was an engaging leader in her HOSA - future health professionals student organization. Emily was known for always encouraging and supporting her classmates.

We know this loss is very difficult for our students, especially those closest to Emily, as well as her teachers and other staff. Our Silver Bluff family will not be alone in coping with this tragedy. Please be assured that additional counselors were on our campus shortly after the accident and will remain with us to support students, teachers and staff. 

I hope that you’ll join me in prayer for Emily’s parents, her brother, their extended family and her closest friends and keep them and all who will be impacted by this tragedy in your thoughts and continued prayers as they grieve and face the difficult days ahead.

The death of a family member, a teacher, staff member, or friend can be a difficult time in the life of a child and his/her parents/guardians. Please know that our school administration, counselors and staff are here to support your student and family. 

Our counseling office has recommended a document developed by the American Counselors Association titled “Helping Children Cope with Loss" to help, as well as the resources provided by the National Grief Center for Children & Families (Dougy Center) for guidance and support. 

We hope that these resources are helpful to you and your student and stand ready to support your family in coping with loss.