Vermont girl, 14, takes her life after relentless bullying at Mill School

Isabelle Vezina-Dykema, a 14-year-old girl from Winooski, Vermont, tragically took her own life on September 15th after enduring severe bullying at Mill School, an alternative high school designed for students with complex needs. In her first year at the school, Isabelle faced relentless harassment both in person and through text messages, with peers mocking her appearance and her mother. This constant torment left her feeling isolated and distressed, culminating in a heartbreaking incident where she returned home deeply upset from school. Her mother, Heather, recounted the day of Isabelle's death, expressing her shock and sorrow at the loss of her vibrant daughter, who was known for her outgoing personality and love for dancing. Heather shared that she had tried to give Isabelle space to process her feelings, unaware that the bullying had pushed her daughter to a breaking point. The emotional toll of the bullying was profound, and Heather's grief was palpable as she reflected on the impact of losing her child. In the wake of this tragedy, Heather found solace in the fact that Isabelle's organs were donated, saving seven lives and contributing to autism research. The loss has deeply affected the Mill School community, with staff expressing their devastation and concern over the mental health struggles faced by adolescents. Chris Allen from VDMH highlighted the alarming reality that many high school students feel as though they do not matter, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and support for those experiencing bullying. This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of bullying and the urgent need for intervention and support systems for vulnerable youth. The community is now left to grapple with the loss and honor Isabelle's memory while advocating for change to prevent similar tragedies in the future.