Month: December 2020

Carl joined the board because he wanted to help erase the stigma of mental illness and start the process of saving lives by raising awareness, generating dialogue and finding solutions to all phases of mental illness, depression and suicide. He said “when Chris asked me to be on the board, it was an immediate yes!” Carl writes, “seeing the impact we are having on our youth, our schools, our sports teams and our community brings me light. The day we open Sean’s House will be the greatest day of all.”

Cyndi works full-time as a Business Administrator in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at UD. She is a lifelong Delawarean who is passionate about mental health because her family has been personally affected by suicide. She writes that, “while national change is important prevention work, my goal was to become engaged with an organization making a significant and sustainable impact in Delaware. SL24 is making that impact.”

TJ works primarily in commercial/industrial real estate but having known Chris Locke for many years, he jumped at the invitation to join SL24. TJ writes, “I am a father of three boys. I’m also a member of the Delaware Community. While deeply saddened by the circumstances surrounding the launch of the SL24, I’m inspired by the Locke family, and I am energized to help change lives in honor of Sean Locke.”

Kat Locke is a Baltimore City Public School Model teacher who is lucky enough to spend her days teaching 7th grade English and Social Studies. The oldest of the Locke siblings. Kat writes, “I hope to make my little brother, Sean, proud by making sure his light continues to shine. I am passionate about supporting and assisting Delaware students.”

Steve Wheat is the owner of High 5 Hospitality, owning and operating 11 restaurants in Delaware that include Buffalo Wild Wings, Stone Balloon, Limestone BBQ and Bourbon, and Eggspectations. With regards to his inspiration for joining the board, he writes “I have known the Locke family since 2005 and was honored to assist in the SL24 initiative. I got involved because I know our efforts can help bring awareness, break the stigma of depression, and ultimately save lives.”

Steve is the President of HFM Investment Advisors and chairman of the board of St. Mark’s high school. With regards to his motivation for joining the SL24 team, he writes, “I got involved with SL 24 through my friendship with Chris, but I have been involved in CYO sports for over 20 years so I was aware of the issues that young people face when it comes to depression. SL24 addresses a huge need in our society when it comes to our children.”

Allison’s spends her time as a Registered Nurse in the Operating Room at Christiana Hospital. She joined the foundation because she was a close friend of Sean’s and was inspired to take action in his memory. She writes, “through the passing of my friend, Sean, I knew I wanted to do more to help others who may be struggling with their mental health. One of the many areas that bring me light regarding the foundation is seeing the impact SL24 school presentations have made on students in our community.”

William’s inspiration for being involved in SL24 occurred several years ago, when personal tragedy struck his family. He writes, “I witnessed first-hand how devastating suicide is to the surviving members of those that suffered. Mental illness is a growing medical issue that can affect those of all types. I believe that the strongest we can ever be, is when we are asking for help. The goal of SL24 speaks to opening up lines of communication and being an avenue of connection for those that are suffering. This is truly a special organization.”

Emma was asked to join the board in order to provide the mental health resources that a health care professional can contribute to the foundation. She writes that “what is most humbling about this experience is traveling to schools to speak with students and parents about my relationship with Sean and our time together throughout high school and college. Sharing his story has impacted so many young students in ways I never imagined. I look forward to continuing to share his story in the hopes that it reaches anyone looking for help or support.”

Kevin’s motivation for joining the board was a personal one. He writes, “watching Sean grow up I assumed all was right in his world. Sean’s experience made me realize how important it is for those suffering with depression and/or other mental health issues, to feel safe about sharing what burdens them with family, friends and professionals.”

Michele spends her time engaged in improving the Delaware community. She has led two statewide nonprofit organizations and served as treasurer, governance chair, and grant chair on a number of other boards. Michele is the author of So, You Want to Start a Nonprofit, Now What?: How to Start and Run a Successful 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization. Her motivation for joining the board is that Chris Locke has been a close friend since high school. She writes, “my heart ached for him and his family when they lost Sean, and I was inspired by the way they chose to help others and serve the public in Sean’s memory. I have a lot of nonprofit board experience, so I chose to share my knowledge and skills with this very worthwhile endeavor.”

Trevor was a close friend of Sean and knowing him is what inspired him to be involved with the SL24 Foundation. Trevor writes, “it hurts to have known him and not realize what he was going through, and if it can happen to him it can happen to anyone. That’s why it is so important to get the right information out and to end the stigma that surrounds mental health. Everyone needs to know it is okay to have these thoughts and feelings and if you are struggling and need help please reach out for him, because it can save lives.”

Michael is a Commercial Banker for WSFS Bank. He got involved in the SL24 Foundation to help carry on the legacy of Sean Locke, one of his dearest friends. He writes, “I am excited for Sean’s House to open at 136 West Main Street and to see the impact it has on the community. 136 West Main Street will forever be a reminder of our friendship and the many good times we enjoyed together in college.”

Barnett is a third year at Georgetown Law. Barnett was inspired to get involved with the organization in part from playing with Sean on the UD Men’s Basketball team for three years. The other part came from when Sean’s dad explained the mission of the group to him. Barnett writes, “I was immediately drawn to get involved and help anyway I can. The idea of helping young people talk about a topic that is of such importance and can change their outlook on life is what brings me light with the work we are doing.”

Chris Locke is a General Counsel/Sr.VP Lang Development Group “Sean was the least likely person you would expect to be suffering from depression. The tragedy of losing my son Sean, has shown me that mental illness and specifically depression is an indiscriminate disease. We must do everything possible to remove the stigma of mental illness by educating, assisting and supporting those with mental illness so people like Sean do not suffer in silence anymore.”

Jeff Lang is a real estate developer working for Lang Development Group in Newark, Delaware. He was inspired to join the board because of his close relationship with the Locke family over the years. Jeff writes, “I was directly involved with Sean’s passing being at the site within hours of the event and have known Sean since he was a little boy. We shared many many great memories together and mourn his death like family, so I am motivated to help the SL24 cause in any way I can and look forward to helping others that are struggling with his same terrible disease.”

Dennis leads the direct marketing strategy firm IM Group Marketing. As members of the Saint Mark’s community, our family was devastated at the news of Sean’s passing. In the last few years, we have had friends lose children to depression, and one of our children has lost a friend to this disease. We understand the importance of a place like Sean’s House in the community, and how critical it is for our youth to know it is OK to go there and talk. Seeing how the Locke family turned an unthinkable tragedy into such a powerful resource has been an inspiration. It is my great honor to help this mission in any way that I can.

I have been a registered nurse for 27 years, having lived and worked in northern Delaware for my entire career. My nursing experience took me to some very challenging and interesting places, including caring for teens and young adults after failed suicide attempts. In Fall of 2016, I began teaching entry level nursing at the high school level. I presently am a Nurse Technology Instructor at St. Georges. As fate would have it, I found myself at the first SL24 basketball tournament in February of 2019. I had not heard of the organization prior to the tournament. I was instantly intrigued. I am proud to say that St. Georges is the first school to adopt the SL24 student group and is serving as a model for other schools.