In March 2023, Montgomery High School, located in Santa Rosa, CA, went through a grave tragedy. A fight between three students led to one of them pulling out a knife. One student was hospitalized and another student passed away. North Bay Bohemian | Montgomery High School Stabbing

After the tragic incident at MHS, Amari Jones and Voice of the Youth visited the school to be a helping hand of support. Jones mentioned how it “touched me and saddened me to hear about violence amounting to death on a school campus.” Jones used to live in Santa Rosa, and he felt sorrow on a personal level. Jones came to mentor the students and to develop positive relationships.

Working with Stephanie Taylor of the Safe Campus Alliance in Santa Rosa has led to a positive connection. Taylor wholeheartedly recommends Jones after witnessing his unwavering work and dedication toward the community, as well as his ability to relate and connect with students in a deep way. Together, their goal is to “enrich the lives of young people in every possible way.”

Visiting Santa Rosa, Jones developed relationships across many other schools in the Santa Rosa City School District. He formed bonds with high school students from Maria Carrillo, Elsie Allen, Analy, Santa Rosa, Piner, Windsor, and Casa Grande, as well as middle schoolers from Slater. For example, he attended track and field meets to support student athletes through the hard times.

The Voice of the Youth project was deeply affected by the events that occurred at MHS. Voice of the Youth works to prevent similar tragedies and to aid people who go through turbulent times. Our condolences go out to everyone negatively affected by the MHS tragedy.