The marching band paid tribute to Blake in a competition the day after he died. It purposefully omitted his solo rather than have another flutist step in. His flute and purple, silver and black plumed hat were placed on the sideline. Band members wore ribbons on their purple uniforms.

Also, during a trip to California, band members released balloons on a beach in Blake's honor.

Weimer said it wasn't done to glorify their bandmate but to remember him and show respect.

Nevertheless, it is a display Hudnall, the Provo School District student services director, cautions against.

"We train schools not to do that," he said.

Hudnall advises schools not to memorialize suicide victims whether it be with a special page in the yearbook or at graduation with a cap and gown on an empty chair. "You don't single out that situation," he said.

Hudnall said one of his greatest fears after a suicide is that another one will occur.

"You have a lot of students that are right on the edge," he said. "They are constantly watching to see what is happening to other kids."

Riverton High initiated a suicide awareness program about a month before Blake died. The PTA sponsored Hope for Tomorrow, produced by the Utah chapter of the National Alliance on the Mentally Ill. It includes a video, classroom presentations and discussion.

It isn't known whether Blake or J.J. participated in the program.

Though some schools rebuff such programs, Park said Riverton intends to keep it going.

"I don't think you can turn a blind eye to it because it's something that's present," Park said. "It's there, and you have to address it."

---

E-mail: romboy@desnews.com