Janna Shimizu

On September 20, 2015, the Sacramento community lost a dear friend to suicide. Her name was Janna Shimizu. She was 16 years old, and went to John F. Kennedy High School her freshman year, before she switched to independent studies for her education. Growing up, she played soccer and basketball and she absolutely loved to sing. Her voice was beautiful and she was always singing, whether it be in a talent show or just in front of her friends. Janna was loved deeply by many.

Her death affected many people within the Sacramento community, all of whom were hit with a different emotion. Whether it was guilt, anger or sadness, those close to her and those not, were all affected by the situation. She brought the community even closer, evoking a shared sense of grief for her loss, and shedding some light on the topic of suicide and depression. SHe will be missed by the McClatchy students who knew her.

Caitlin Tov, a junior at CKM, met Janna through church and basketball when they were in kindergarten. She said, “I didn’t know that she was sad. She just made me realize that some people do have problems and that we should always be there to help.” Like others in the Sacramento community, Caitlin has become more aware of suicide and depression because of Janna. She stated, “It’s just sad that she thought the only way out was that [suicide]. Nobody should have to feel like that.”

Another student who was close to Janna was Haley Cogburn, a junior at CKM. Haley grew up with Janna, went to elementary school with her, and was involved in the same Girl Scouts troop. Haley stated, “Janna taught me how to enjoy life and the happy moments within it. Despite the hard times in her life, she was always able to make others smile and laugh.” Again, we see the profound effect that Janna had on the lives of her friends, as she taught them how to laugh and smile, even when life is hard. In addition, Haley stated, “I know this was a really hard situation to deal with, but it brought me and my Girl Scout troop closer together. It showed us how valuable people are in our lives and it’s sad that we don’t realize it until they’re gone.”

Along with many other students, I was also friends with Janna. We grew up together and knew each other through church and other various activities throughout our elementary years. Not only has she given me more knowledge and awareness, but also she has gifted me with a better appreciation for life and for the people in it. Her death showed me how life can be cut short and to be thankful for the people who surround me.

Because of the issues raised by Janna’s death, students from CKM, Kennedy and various other schools in the Sacramento district have banded together to create a walk for suicide awareness. Held on October 3rd, the event showed how her death impacted the community, as the people of Sacramento joined as one with the goal of raising more awareness. Though many are still grieving for her loss, everybody wants to help spread consciousness about this sensitive subject and give Janna the representation she didn’t have before.