Walking Toward Hope: Lightspeed’s Commitment to Student Suicide Prevention and Safety

Lightspeed Systems has been a proud sponsor of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walk in Austin, TX, for years. This cause is deeply embedded in our mission of student safety. Protecting students and helping identify those in need of support isn’t just what we do; it’s a commitment shared by everyone at Lightspeed. Many of our employees know firsthand the devastating impact of suicide, and each of us brings our own story to the work we do every day. For us, this mission is personal.

This marks my fourth year participating in the Out of the Darkness Walk, and each year I find myself facing a mix of emotions. I walk to honor my best friend from college. He was kind, brilliant, and fought his battles alone. Before he passed, he reached out to three of us. His words that night should have been a call for help, but we missed it—we missed the signs that he was saying goodbye. Had we talked, we might have realized, might have been able to help him find hope again. Instead, we were left with sorrow, with questions, and with the painful understanding of what it means to lose someone who saw no way forward.

This walk reminds me of him and of the enduring impact his loss had on all who loved him. And every year, the walk becomes a place of reflection and resolve. I see the faces of others who have also lost loved ones, and I am reminded how crucial it is to be there for those in need before they reach that dark place. This reality fuels Lightspeed’s work: we strive every day to create tools that give schools the insight to recognize when a student might be in crisis, to intervene, and to offer support that could make all the difference.

At Lightspeed, our mission of student safety is a shared responsibility. Every employee here brings their dedication, their empathy, and, in many cases, their personal experiences to our work. For us, student safety goes beyond technology—it’s about helping schools protect every child’s future. We’re committed to providing tools that don’t just monitor but help, empowering schools to create environments where students grow into their best selves.

Walking in this event is a reminder of why we do what we do. We walk in memory, in honor, and in hope, knowing that each step brings us closer to a world where students, parents, and educators don’t have to face these struggles alone. Together, we are building a safer, more connected future for every child.