Mount Vernon High remembrance of student Gage Moody includes call to use 988 crisis lifeline

During the commencement ceremony, Superintendent William Cedar Jr. acknowledged and asked the audience to remember the life of Gage Moody, a member of the Class of 2025 who passed away.

“Gage's father, who is in attendance with us today, has asked that we share information about the suicide and crisis lifeline in hopes that it may help others,” the superintendent said. He told the audience, “If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text 988. It's open 247 for free, confidential support.” The ceremony included a moment of silence in Gage’s memory.

The transcript records the mention of the lifeline as part of the superintendent’s remarks; it does not include further district follow-up measures, counseling resources provided on site after the ceremony, or any formal announcement of expanded mental-health services. The superintendent framed the mention as information requested by Gage’s father and presented it as a resource available to anyone in crisis.