Mourned GBN Student Was an 'Exceptional Spartan'

Billy Garrity, football player and school volunteer , is being mourned by the Glenbrook North and South communities.

"Billy was an exceptional academic student and an athlete with a team player mentality that he shared with all those around him," said Principal Paul Pryma. "He was an exceptional Spartan."

Garrity was the youngest member of his family, which includes several GBN alumni.

"Our heartfelt love goes out to his family during this difficult time," Pryma said. "Billy comes from a very strong Garrity family. We have had the good fortune to work with this family over the past decade." 

According to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office, Garrity committed suicide.

Counselors are available at Glenbrook North for students struggling with Garrity's death. Counselors are also on-hand at , where District 225 summer classes are offered this year. 

"The loss of a student is always going to influence the energy and feelings about school," Pryma said. "We will do our best to help with that transition when school begins in August."

According to Pryma, Garrity was also set to serve in a leadership role during Snowball, an annual school workshop held each spring, aimed to help students with health and wellness issues.

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