Gallery|3 Photos

Photo courtesy of Michael Pardi

Novato High School senior Lucas Talbott passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 11th. Lucas was an active member of the community, as he was part of the Novato High lacrosse and basketball teams, and worked as a counselor at Marinwood Camp this past summer. He excelled in middle school and participated in the drama program at Miller Creek Middle School. 

Lucas was in my class when I did drama for the first time. I remember wanting to be his friend because of the kind energy he gave off every day. 

Novato High Social Studies teacher Jason Searle spoke about his memories of Lucas. 

“I had him during his sophomore year in AP Euro, and he was always very into the class and knowledgeable,” Searle said. “He was just really well-liked. Something that stood out about him was his smile, that’s what I remember the most.”

Max Gold, the program director of Camp Coyote at Marinwood shared his memories of Lucas.

“I didn’t know him for super long, only the summer while we worked together. My first instinct was, ‘oh, here is this quiet high school boy who didn’t really seem to know what he was doing.’ I don’t think I’ve ever been more wrong about a person. Lucas was kind and respectful to me, our staff, and our kids. He had this incredible way of balancing between treating them as his friend, but also having them respect him as a counselor. He was able to put a smile on mine and our whole staff’s faces, even on the hardest of days,” Gold said.

Michael Pardi, the coach of the Novato High lacrosse team also talked about Lucas.

“I coached Lucas in Lacrosse since he was in second grade. I have over the years coached thousands of student athletes, Lucas was one of my favorites,” Pardi said.

Lucas was a bright soul who will never be forgotten. He always made people smile and laugh, even if there was nothing to laugh about. He was so loved and continues to be loved by everyone he interacted with. 

From the NUSD Behavioral Health Team:

Everyone moves at their own pace through the states of crisis and healing:

Give yourself permission to grieve in your own way and in your own time.

-Let the tears flow. Tears are a very natural and necessary part of grief. Tears help you express feelings that you may not have words for. They are NOT a sign of weakness.

-If you are experiencing feelings of anger, then give yourself permission to verbalize those feelings with someone you trust. You can also release anger by running, skating, lifting weights, writing in a journal, drawing, painting, or calling a friend.

-Let people know what you need. It’s also important to remember that if someone does ask you about your loss at a time when you don’t feel like talking about it that it is okay to tell them you don’t feel like talking about it right now.

-Be good to yourself. Take time to get the rest you need. Balance that rest with regular periods of exercise and good diet; they are crucial to your physical and emotional well-being.

-Don’t compare your feelings of grief with how others are managing their grief. Others may appear fine, but privately they are hurting just like you.

-You have much to give. Even when we are in pain, we still have the ability to give to others. It may be hard to imagine, but giving to others will help you in your own healing process.

“See Something, Say Something”. 

If you need help for yourself or a friend, come to the counseling office.  The East Annex and Welcome Center (Room 1501) are also open. 

For help outside of school, please use the following resources: 

Crisis Text Line (24/7, English and Spanish): Text HOME to 741741

Marin Crisis Hotline (24/7): (415) 499-1100

The Trevor Project (24/7, LGBTQQIA+): Text START to 678678 or call (866) 488-7386

California Youth Crisis Line (24/7, translation available): (800) 843-5200

Struggling with mental health is something we all deal with at some point in our lives. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, or any other mental illness on the spectrum, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important to us. You are never alone, no matter how isolated you feel. There is always someone there to help you through your hardest moments. Check in on your friends and family, as they could be going through something that you may not even know about.

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out. We have a wellness center and a psychologist at NHS who is willing to help anyone who may feel that they need it.

National Suicide Prevention Line:

800-273-8255