A Red Bank Regional student died Monday night, one day after concluding her run as a cast member in the school’s production of “42nd Street.”
The death of sophomore Grace Giffen, 16, marks the third time in two years that the school community has been affected by a student death.
From a statement by Superintendent Jim Stefankiewicz:
At this time, we have few details regarding Grace’s passing. Of paramount concern is the wellbeing of our students and staff during this difficult time. Counselors are available to assist students in coping with their grief. Please feel free to contact our guidance or Source counselors if you have concerns over your child and how they are dealing with this tragic loss. Speak to your child and encourage him or her to visit their counselor if there is a need.
Our hearts go out to Grace’s family. It is during times like this that we are reminded of what is truly important. We will support each other and try to make sense of something that seems so senseless.
Grace, a resident of Millstone, was in the school’s Visual and Performing Arts program, and a member of the “42nd Street” ensemble that concluded a four-show run Sunday night.
The father of another student who was in the show tells redbankgreen that Grace was “the happiest he’d ever seen her in the run up to and during the 42nd Street performances.”
As a freshman, Grace performed in “Little Mermaid, Jr.” In February, she was awarded a varsity letter for “top academic achievement.”
The school has postponed Wednesday night’s Creative Writer’s performance and tomorrow night’s International Night until further notice. “The students are clearly dealing with a tragic loss,” a school spokeswoman said.
During the 2013-’14 school year, two students died, both of natural causes: Riyadh’na Farrow and Albert Martin.
