NEENAH — The Jan. 22 suicide of a Neenah High School sophomore has caused counselors to redouble their efforts to educate students and parents on the pitfalls of teenage life.

Their work will get a boost Wednesday from author and speaker Bob Lenz, who will discuss the importance of open communication between parents and teens.

Lenz will speak to all Neenah freshmen and sophomores during the school day and will give a presentation for all students and parents from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Pickard Auditorium.

His talks are backed by the Neenah Joint School District's Student Assistance Program and funded by the J. J. Keller Foundation.

Vicki Bayer, coordinator of the Student Assistance Program, said Lenz would talk about how to recognize the symptoms of depression and suicide.

"It is so important for us, in light of the tragedy, that we get parents here," she said.

The school district sponsored presentations earlier this month by counselor Kristin Mahoney on teen depression and why suicide is the second leading cause of death among Wisconsin teens.

About 20 parents attended the presentations.

"We were really, really hopeful that we could get more parents there," Bayer said. "We have seen an increased suffering from depression. I think the economy is a big part of that. A lot of our families are struggling, and students react to their parents."

Mahoney said depression, much like cancer, is an illness that can lead to death without proper treatment.

"If there is a time to learn more about this, it is right now," she said. "We don't want to be in a situation like Kaukauna, where they have lost four kids (to suicide)."

Mahoney said if family or friends notice signs of depression, they should consult a physician or counselor.