Tompkins County

Concerned about Bullying? Read This.

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Kids in Tompkins County are getting bullied at school, outside of school, and online. The most recent survey of students, in 2023, showed a marked increase in bullying over the previous two years.

39 percent of 8th graders in Tompkins County say they have been bullied at school

About a quarter of students in grades 6-12 reported being bullied at school, with the greatest prevalence occurring in middle school grades, according to the Community-Level Youth Development Evaluation (CLYDE) survey of 3,496 students.

Overall, 27.4 percent of students said they were bullied at school; 20.5 percent bullied outside school; and 20 percent bullied electronically.

Eighth graders reported the highest percentages, with 39 percent, 27.5 percent, and 25 percent saying they were bullied in those categories, respectively

The 2023 results represented an increase in overall bullying behavior since the 2021 CLYDE survey, when 21.2 percent, 18.6 percent, and 20.8 percent of students said they were bullied at school, outside school, and electronically.

The Tompkins County Bullying Prevention Task Force publishes “Bullying Prevention Resources for Schools and Families,” a guide with information about how bullying affects individuals and communities and what we can do to prevent it.

For schools, the guide contains resources for curricula, discussion plans, activity kits, infographics, videos, art projects, coloring books, role playing, pledge signing, clubs, Bullying Prevention Month activities, and special websites for teens and kids.

The task force distributed the guide to all school leaders as well as Parent-Teacher Organizations/Associations in Tompkins County.

“The guide presents a brief overview of bullying and its impacts as well as national and local data illustrating the extent of the problem,” said Scott MacLeod, task force coordinator.

“But the focus of the guide is on providing schools with resources with which to proactively prevent bullying. It lists resources that schools can use to organize bullying prevention activities year-round and especially for National Bullying Prevention Month in October.”

For parents and their children, the guide provides detailed information about how to file a complaint to school officials about bullying, harassment, or discrimination under the New York State Dignity for All Students Act (DASA).

“The Dignity Act is set up so that everyone has a role in supporting a child when bullying occurs,” explained Brandi Remington, TST BOCES Youth Development Coordinator and task force member.

“I want parents and family members to know that they are not alone, if they ever find themselves in this situation, and that the best thing they can do for their child is to work in partnership with their school Dignity Act Coordinator to address the issue and to improve their child’s experience.”

DOWNLOAD Bullying Prevention Resources for Schools and Families

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. The Task Force encourages schools and youth-serving organizations to use the occasion to provide educational programming and activities designed to reduce (and hopefully eliminate) bullying behaviors.

DOWNLOAD Tompkins County Schools Dignity Act Coordinators

Bullying can have negative and even life-long impacts on both victims and aggressors. Bullying can have a negative long-term impact on mental health, substance use, and it even has links to suicide.

According to StopBullying.gov, kids who are bullied are more likely to experience:

  • Depression and anxiety, increased feelings of sadness and loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy.
  • Health complaints.
  • Decreased academic achievement, school participation, and attendance.

Kids who bully others are more likely to:

  • Abuse alcohol and other drugs in adolescence and as adults.
  • Get into fights, vandalize property, and drop out of school.
  • Engage in early sexual activity.
  • Have criminal convictions and traffic citations as adults.
  • Be abusive toward their romantic partners, spouses, or children as adults.

DOWNLOAD Bullying Prevention Resources for Schools and Families

Mental Health Guide for Tompkins Schools

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Five Ithaca-based mental health organizations have released the 2025-26 edition of their resource guide, “Mental Health Support & Suicide Prevention for Schools in Tompkins County.”

If you have a comment, concern, or suggestion about mental health in Tompkins schools, please feel free to email it to The Sophie Fund: thesophiefund2016@gmail.com.

National and local surveys document the seriousness of a mental health crisis affecting young people. In a survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40 percent of high schoolers said they experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Twenty-nine percent reported poor mental health, and 20 percent said they had considered taking their own lives.

A survey of high school and middle school students in Tompkins County came up with similar patterns. Forty-seven percent said they felt anxious or worried on most days, 35 percent felt sad or depressed on most days, and 34 percent said that “sometimes I think life is not worth it.”

To support Tompkins County schools, the resources guide was first launched in 2024 by the Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service of Tompkins County, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Greater Central New York, National Alliance on Mental Illness Finger Lakes, Mental Health Association in Tompkins County, and The Sophie Fund.

“For our school personnel, this can be a hearty quick reference guide with options that can be tailored to a student’s needs—or a fellow colleague’s needs,” said Tiffany Bloss, executive director of the Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service.

“There are many opportunities for no-cost trainings to enhance the comfort level and confidence in talking to someone else about their mental health.”

After a brief “Mental Health & Suicide Prevention 101” introduction, the guide details the mental health and suicide prevention education and training that the organizations are ready to present to Tompkins school administrators, teachers, students, and parents.

DOWNLOAD: Mental Health Support & Suicide Prevention for Schools in Tompkins County

The guide compiles handbooks and toolkits to assist Tompkins schools in developing mental health promotion and bullying prevention programming as well as suicide prevention strategies in their school communities. The guide points to recommendations for youth use of social media issued by the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association.

“Tompkins County’s mental health nonprofits offer beneficial mental health programs designed for students, teachers, and parents,” said Sandra Sorensen, executive director of NAMI Finger Lakes. “Bridging the gap in education and community services is important to all of us. We already have great evidence-based programs designed and ready to go at no cost to our schools. The guide outlines all of our programs and highlights our collaborative nature. We are here to serve and assist.”

The guide also includes 5 Simple Steps, a downloadable “safety plan” young people (or adults) can consult if they are feeling overwhelmed with a deteriorating mood.

DOWNLOAD: 5 Simple Steps

The five organizations requested an opportunity to meet directly with the Tompkins County school superintendents and their leadership teams to provide a presentation on the support services available and respond to any concerns or questions they may have. The organizations have met with the Ithaca and Trumansburg districts, but Lansing, Groton, Dryden, and Newfield have not scheduled a meeting.

If you or someone you know feels the need to speak with a mental health professional, you can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741-741.

UPDATED: A Parent’s Guide to College Student Mental Health

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Political division and violence at home. Conflicts around the globe. Tense debates over everything from climate change to public health. Not to mention the pressures of succeeding in college and finding a job after graduation.

These are very stressful times for today’s college students. They require parents to fully grasp the serious mental health challenges their students may face and be equipped to provide support.

Cornell University students participating in a campus suicide prevention walk in April 2024

Did you know that the majority of college students today meet the criteria for at least one mental health complaint? Or that there are often wait lists to receive support from college counseling centers, community clinics, and private therapists?

The Sophie Fund publishes “A Parent’s Guide to College Student Mental Health” to help parents—especially those whose children are attending college in Ithaca—better understand the challenges and how to deal with them.

The guide curates key resources about student mental health and lists support services on campus and in the Ithaca community. It also includes advice from local mental health experts, college administrators, current and former students, and parents of students who have dealt with psychological challenges in college.

DOWNLOAD: A Parent’s Guide to College Student Mental Health (PDF)

Rates of depression and anxiety are high among college students. In fact, many students carry suicidal thoughts. Sexual assault is prevalent among college students. Hazing violence as an initiation rite at fraternities and some student organizations is a serious problem.

All of these factors pose even greater risks for students who arrive on campus with a mental health or substance use disorder.

“It’s crucial for parents to understand potential signs of distress, and how to foster trust and open communication to support their child during this period of transition,” said Sigrid Pechenik, former associate director of Cornell University’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS).

“It’s never too early to start a conversation, do not wait until mid or late semester. Recognize symptoms beyond expected adjustment, such as changes in mood and behavior, academic struggles, social withdrawal, changes in communication, and/or loss of interest in things that they used to enjoy.”

Failure to understand these realities of college student life today, and to help with issues that may arise, can lead to serious consequences.

When parents do fully grasp the scope of the challenges, they are more attuned to how their student is handling the major life transition from home to college. Parents especially need to understand the risk factors and warning signs for a mental health crisis, and how to support their student if they should exhibit cause for concern.

Help can range from staying connected with moral support and positive encouragement to evaluating and navigating mental health treatment options at the college counseling center, in the community, or back home during a health leave of absence.

Our plea to parents: Even if you think you don’t need it, download and review the guide, and keep it close at hand during your student’s college years and beyond.

DOWNLOAD: A Parent’s Guide to College Student Mental Health (PDF)

Time for the 10th Annual Ithaca Cupcake Baking Contest!

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Can you believe it? For the tenth year in a row, The Sophie Fund is hosting the Annual Ithaca Cupcake Baking Contest on Saturday October 18 at the Bernie Milton Pavilion in the Ithaca Commons.

What flavors are exciting your senses? Salted caramel? Peanut butter or pomegranate? Mocha or green tea? Strawberry or coconut? The judges can’t wait to taste your masterpieces.

CLICK HERE for all the information on contest procedures and rules, and the Contest Registration Form.

(You can register online or download a Contest Registration Form and bring it to the contest venue with your cupcakes).

Contestants of all ages are welcome and will be eligible for dozens of prizes including a Grand Prize valued at $250 and a Youth Award valued at $100. Everyone is a winner! (Open to amateur bakers only.)

Contestants are asked to submit trays of six cupcakes along with a completed Contest Registration Form. The form asks for your full recipe, ingredients, and a brief story about your cupcakes.

The story could be about a person, place, or thing that inspired the recipe and decoration. Or what techniques you favored. Or the joy you had baking them. Was there a challenge you had to overcome in making your cupcake dream a reality? Tell us!

The content will take place RAIN or SHINE. Submissions are received from 10 a.m.–12 Noon on Saturday October 18 at the Bernie Milton Pavilion. The entries will then be judged by professionals from Ithaca’s bakeries and restaurants. Judging is based on cupcake taste, decoration, and originality. Winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony at 3 p.m.

Prizes include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Awards, as well as the Youth Award for teens and pre-teens.

The 10th Annual Ithaca Cupcake Baking Contest is sponsored by Visions Federal Credit Union, Cayuga Health, Wegmans, and Well Said Media.

The contest is organized every year by The Sophie Fund, established in 2016 in memory of Cornell University art student Sophie Hack MacLeod to support mental health initiatives aiding young people.

Sophie’s passion for baking cupcakes inspired the launch of the first Ithaca Cupcake Baking Contest in 2016. At the time of her death by suicide at age 23, while on a medical leave of absence from Cornell, Sophie was active in Ithaca’s vibrant culinary scene. According to her family, she hoped to open her own bakery after completing her Cornell degree.

Passion to Prevent Suicide

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To the rustling pom poms of the Dryden High School cheerleader squad, more than 250 people raised over $43,000 in the 13th Annual Greater Ithaca Out of the Darkness Walk on September 6 organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Greater Central New York Chapter.

The community walk, amid a drizzle in Lansing’s Myers Park on the edge of Cayuga Lake, is among 400 held across the country every year designed to raise awareness, support survivors of suicide loss, and collect funds for research, training, and educational programming.

Walkers included many people who lost a family member, friend, or colleague to suicide.

Once again L3 Lisa’s Lagomorph Legion was the top fundraising team, collecting $4,527. Team Hope brought in $4,240; Jack’s Pack $1,205; Team Beginnings $940; and 988 Lifeline Legends $735.

To add a donation to AFSP, click here.

Two well-known local mental health advocates shared personal experiences during the event’s opening ceremony.

Samantha Shoemaker, founder of Free HUGS Ithaca, recounted her struggles with deep depression and how it took more than three years before combinations of therapy and medications—which she initially resisted—eased her pain.

“I felt so alone, though my friends were checking on me. The couple times when I was vulnerable enough to share how much pain I was in, nobody asked any questions or made any substantial, non-cliche comments. It was like I didn’t know how to talk about it, and they didn’t know how to address it. I was a burden. Debby downer. I knew depression was kicking my ass,” she said.

Samantha Shoemaker of Free HUGS Ithaca speaks during opening ceremony

Now, Shoemaker said, “I no longer challenge the need for meds and have taken science into full consideration and the fact that the chemistry of my organics works well with specific chemicals, aka meds, that make me feel okay. I have fortunately found the combination of meds that has given my brain enough time to process things in a way that works for me and my life now. I had enough relief in between trials to give me hope to try again. That was the key, trying again. Not giving up.”

“Though I don’t think it will ever go away, living with the dark has made the light so much brighter. Without all the bad, all of this wouldn’t be as appreciated and welcomed with gratitude,” she added.

Darrell Harrington, the founder of Be Kind Ithaca, shared his story of being badly bullied at summer camp and in school, and how anxiety then followed him into adulthood.

He became a rock musician and for 30 years lived his dream, touring the country with amazing bands, performing before thousands of spectators, appearing in independent films, and meeting many of his rock idols.

Yet he regularly felt nauseous with his heart racing for no apparent reason, and experienced a lack of motivation, exhaustion, and a very short temper. After several years of worrying that he was having heart attacks he had many tests done but doctors could find nothing physically wrong.

Be Kind Ithaca’s Darrell Harrington shares his story about anxiety

“About 13 years ago, my band mate and great friend Mikey suggested that I should go see a therapist,” he said. “I thought he was out of his mind. I’m tough and strong, and fine. Why should I go to a therapist?”

Harrington began seeing a therapist, who helped him explore unresolved issues from being bullied years earlier. Meanwhile, his primary care physician prescribed anti-anxiety medication. Yet he seemed to get worse. So much so, that he eventually started thinking of a way to end his own life.

One night he finally revealed the full depth of his pain to his wife, Jacque, who helped him put a plan into action. His therapist diagnosed severe anxiety disorder and suggested he seek further help at Tompkins County Mental Health Services.

“Thank God I went. I had some of the best therapists and psychologists help me throughout the years. And at this point I am proud to say that I am controlling my anxiety and it is not controlling me. I do have days, and they are not easy. But I have the tools and the knowledge to know how to handle them,” Harrington said.

“I’m not sure what would have happened if I didn’t wake Jaqcue up and tell her everything that night. If you are suffering, please, please, please, reach out to someone. I know it’s hard. I really know how hard it is. But there is help out there for you and there are many amazing people that want to help you.”

Harrington ended by sharing a quote that Jacque gave him to remember if he is having a tough time: “Always remember, you are braver than you think, stronger than you seem, and loved more than you know.”

Walk committee member Emily Georgia closed the ceremony singing “Better Days,” by Irish performer and song writer Dermot Kennedy.

“Together we strive to be the difference in our community, together we will save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide,” said Walk Chair Crystal Howser. “We are sending the message to others that they are not alone. If I can save one life, save one family from the pain of losing a loved one to suicide. I am making a difference. Gratitude to everyone who helps make this walk so successful.” 

AFSP Organizers Stacy Ayres and Crystal Howser

The 2025 Greater Ithaca Out of the Darkness Walk was sponsored by:

The Strebel Planning Group’s Fund for Community Enrichment; Borgwarner; Mirabito Energy Products; Mirabito Cares; Visions Federal Credit Union; Solomon Organization; Lansing Funeral Home; Triad Foundation; Beginnings Credit Union, Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service of Tompkins County; Guthrie; Wildlife Resolutions; CSP Management; 23 North Restaurant & Bar/Pizza & Bones; Cayuga Health; True Insurance; Tioga State Bank Foundation.