Prince's suicide leaves lasting legacy

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - It's been one year since Phoebe Prince took her own life, after what's been described as relentless bullying in South Hadley. 22News reporter Laura Hutchinson looks back at what's been done to prevent the tragedy from happening to others.

Walk up to South Hadley High school today and the first thing you'll see are the words RESPECT.

A simple word that holds a lot of meaning in these hallways. One year ago 15-year-old Phoebe Prince, a new student at South Hadley High School from Ireland, took her own life, after, it appears, very little respect was shown.

Prosecutors say Prince experienced relentless bullying in school, online and via text messages leading up to her death.

On the day of her death one year ago, Phoebe Prince was walking home from South Hadley High School when bullies allegedly drove by her throwing insults and an energy drink. Prince continued walking home where she then hanged herself.

Word of the alleged bullying-suicide rippled through the community, even garnering global attention. "I thought it was horrific, it was horrible, I have no words to really explain the impact on the family, or the impact on families that suffer this daily because their children do not fit," said James Granata of Holyoke.

One year later, South Hadley High School Principal Daniel Smith says while the tragedy cannot be undone, a lot has been done in an attempt to prevent bullying from poisoning these hallways again. "What we're really looking for is increased compassion with our students. We've obviously put in some educational programs. We're looking at trying to hammer home the concept that every individual deserves dignity at the very core."

Smith says the students have responded well. "I think they are trying, they are putting things in place to keep a closer eye on the kids, hopefully the parents can step in and keep a closer eye on their kids too," said Linda Paul of Palmer.

Meantime, six former South Hadley High School students are facing charges in connection with the suicide.

There were plenty of counselors on hand at South Hadley High School Friday if students needed to talk.

A vigil to remember Phoebe will be held at the South Hadley Town Common Friday night.