Submitted report

A play written and directed by Emily Knight, a Hays High senior who graduates this week, takes place tonight and Tuesday at 7 p.m.. Geared toward teens and adults, the play tells the story of Joey, a teen in his senior year of high school who got pushed over the edge and decides that suicide is the only way out.

The effort completes Knight’s work on her Girl Scout Gold project, according to Knight’s troop leader, J Cheri Heldstab of Troop 1731. She has been Knight’s troop leader for seven years.

About the play, Knight wrote on her Facebook page that it’s an important topic.

“It shows everyone that suicide doesn’t only affect you, but also affects everyone around you,” she said.

Heldstab and Knight invited family, friends and colleagues to see the show.

“[Emily] has been working on this project and going through the process for more than a year,” Heldstab said. “[The show] will complete her Gold project, which is the highest girl award in Girl Scouting.”

Heldstab also explained how important the show is to the Hays CISD community.

“This is such an important and sensitive issue that she is passionate about educating people about. Since she started working on her project, we have had 2 middle school students in our area take their own lives which only has had made Emily more determined to complete her project and make an impact in the community she has been a part of. This is a real issue that knows no boundaries and impacts so many lives,” Heldstab said.

Knight wrote on her Facebook page, “Please come if you can, the No Name Players of Hays High School, and I have worked hard to make this possible and this issue is something that needs to be addressed in our community. Thank you all.“

The performance is free and open to the public; it is not recommended for younger children. It takes place at 7 p.m. each night, June 2-3, at the Hays High School theater. Concessions will be available for purchase.