Freshman Simon Mullins (center) died today. Mullins played Johnny in “The Outsiders” at South.
The Optimist staff would like to express its greatest sympathies for the loved ones of freshman Simon Mullins who passed away today. Mullins was involved in Theatre South, playing Johnny in this year’s production of “The Outsiders.” To read more about his involvement in theatre, read our coverage here. May strength be with the friends and family of Mullins during this difficult time.
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Natasha Shaw • Mar 29, 2016 at 8:26 pm
I didn’t know Simon for long, he and I had B-TV together in the 7th grade. I had no idea what was going on, and he helped me. He taught me what to do and helped me pass that class. He was so funny and wonderful and he even gave me a spoon once. Passing him in the hallways made my day better, and everyone knew and loved him. I will miss him dearly. May he rest in peace.
Kam • Sep 29, 2016 at 11:39 pm
Simon was a childhood friend of mine and we lost touch. I am sad that he was taken at such a young age. Can anyone tell me what happened?
Stephanie Stephens • Mar 25, 2016 at 1:41 pm
I posted this on Facebook last night. I feel like it might be good to share here also.
I did not know Simon. But, as a Mom of a teenager, I am affected. From a parents perspective and from my own personal life, I have seen what happens to a child that is severely depressed and is dealing with way more than most people know. I know how heartbreaking that can be. I know the emotional turmoil. I know that pain. Things should never turn out this way. This young man should still be alive and enjoying theatre and life. But, there are things we cannot change. We can only reach out and try our damndest to help. We have to talk WITH our children, not TO our children. We have to reach deep down and share our own emotions and life trials with the youth and try to empathize. We have to make sure that they have a TON of emotional support at home, school, etc. Show support to other kids that might come in and out of your home/life. You just never know how much they might need you.
Hug your children tonight. Ask them how there day was and what they are feeling. And really listen. It might be the most important thing you could do today.
Denise Tavares Bialy • Mar 31, 2016 at 12:59 pm
I couldn’t agree more Stephanie. I have had the same thoughts and feelings. I have two teenage boys, and one is still at South. While we didn’t know Simon, he obviously was a wonderful boy and well respected. The only problem a 15 year old boy or girl should have is to decide what t-shirt to wear that day. It breaks my heart to read and hear about these things with our youth. I can’t help but feel that there is a huge hole in life now that Simon is gone. He was very special to have impacted so many people feeling this way. I can only hope our youth will come forward and let us know when they are hurting or if they are feeling a certain way. And I couldn’t agree more that parents need to be more involved in listening, and talking and listening some more. My sincerest condolences to the Mullins family and friends. I am deeply sorry and heartbroken for the loss of Simon.
Vanessa de Clare • Mar 24, 2016 at 8:50 pm
Dear Si,
Even after knowing for an entire day, it still hasn’t really set in. You were an outstanding friend, peer, and person is general. You always had a certain vibe about you that seemed to radiate happiness and always seemed to be able to make those around you laugh. Despite the fact that you are gone in a physical aspect, I know that you are still with each and every one of us and will be for the rest of our lives. Bloomington South High School, Monroe County School Cooperation, the City of Bloomington, the State of Indiana, the Country of the United States of America, and the entire planet of Earth lost an amazing boy, but you will never truly be gone. I love you, Simon, and promise to never forget you.
Much Love,
Nessi
The Goodlett Family • Mar 24, 2016 at 8:42 pm
“Grief starts to become indulgent, and it doesn’t serve anyone, and it’s painful. But if you transform it into remembrance, then you’re magnifying the person you lost and also giving something of that person to other people, so they can experience something of that person.” -Patti Smith
Our family would like to send our deepest condolences to the entire Mullins family. As the quote above says, we should take time to grieve but should eventually turn that grieving into remembrance. Simon would want to be remembered in a happy way, and that’s how the students of BHSS have decided to honor his passing away. Many heads today were wearing beanies, many spoons were taped to shirts, and Ms. Rademacher’s floor was covered in glitter. We hope that everyone that Simon ever touched in any way is taking time right now to appreciate ever meeting a soul like his. We miss and love you Simon and know you are smiling down upon us right now. In our hearts you will always stay.
Sammy Dennis • Mar 24, 2016 at 6:37 pm
I had known Simon since he first moved here in 2nd grade. He was a very outgoing and fun person and always has been. I remember in elementary school you could ask Simon to do anything and he would do it; you could ask him to climb a tree and he’d jump out without being scared, you’d ask him to walk out of the class room and see if the teacher noticed, or even anything, he would do it. He lived how he wanted to live. If he wanted to wear his beanie, he was gonna wear his beanie. If he wanted to steal all the spoons from the lunch room, that’s what he was gonna do. He could make anyone laugh and put a smile on their face. Though Simon was also very caring and nice. He always was asking his friends if they were okay and that he was there for them.
We are all gonna miss you very much Simon, love ya
Nothing gold can stay
Ian Johnson • Mar 24, 2016 at 3:36 pm
I didn’t really know Simon all that well since we only shared one class, Mass Media, together. But regardless of that, he was one of the funniest, most energetic people I knew. He was one of those people that when he was around, it was hard not to smile. He had an aura about him that seemed to draw people in, make people laugh. And that is why I’m confident all of South’s thoughts go out to the family and friends. Rest in peace Simon, may you never be forgotten.
savannah downing • Mar 24, 2016 at 2:10 pm
SImon was an amazing person, I only knew him since this year but I must say that he gave me some really good laughs when I’d have a bad day or I’d come to class depressed. Simon will live in our hearts, and our minds, but also for those in the glitter war probably also remembered in there hair. This school will miss Simon very much, and to those who didn’t know him or don’t think that hats, glitter, and spoons are a great way to remember him by, I just have to ask you to please keep that to yourself. That is your opinion and it can hurt those who really truely knew who Simon was and Knew him by these simple things.
Love and miss you Simon, Fly High our great Eagle
Zoe Berensztein • Mar 24, 2016 at 12:33 pm
During The Outsiders, I had the pleasure of seeing Simon almost every day for 3 months. I’m proud to say that in that short time he made an extremely positive impact on my life. Simon had the ability to make you laugh in a way that made you forget about your problems; during the show, every time I was stressed out it was always him who made me feel better. Simon made you feel good about yourself. There are few people who never seem to be sad, never radiate negative energy, never bring you down, but I can honestly say that he was one of them. There is no way to summarize how special he was, or how epically his absence will be felt. What I can say is that Simon truly had a heart of gold, and anyone who was his friend, his cast mate, his classmate, or had any interaction with him at all is truly lucky to have encountered such a wonderful person. And to all of these people, I truly hope that after you have grieved and cried, you can remember how much laughter he brought to us and feel his spirit with us forever.
Nothing gold can stay.
Abbi Feiner • Mar 24, 2016 at 10:48 am
My first really meeting Simon, I walked out of my house and found him with my sister, both of them hitting different objects with sticks. In situations like that, you can’t help but burst into laughter. I don’t think that there’s a better way to describe the kind of person he was. He was bubbley, funny, kind, and never failed to make people smile. I’m going to miss him.
See ya, Simon. Nothing gold can stay.
Sheila McDermott-Sipe • Mar 24, 2016 at 8:27 am
“I don’t believe in dying
though, I too shall die.
And violets like castanets
will echo me” – Sonia Sanchez
I know that Simon’s antics and vibrant personality will always continue to echo with all of his friends and family. When I saw the students in the hallway this morning as well as many of my 1st period students wearing beanies, Simon’s spirit was certainly alive in this building.
My daughter Olivia was close to Simon during junior high at Batchelor Middle School and the name Simon was spoken so often in our house with laughter and admiration that he was a legend before I even had the chance to meet him. I was so glad that I was able to see him on stage in the role of Johnny. He was outstanding in this very demanding role, and this young, talented, playful person has left us all way too soon. The world will not be the same without him.