This will be a tough graduation season for Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire communities dealing with the recent deaths of high-school seniors.

Central Catholic High School senior Rebecca Solomon, 18, died in a single-car crash on Hampstead Street in Methuen yesterday. She would have graduated tomorrow.

Methuen also lost Brett Wiegref, an 18-year-old Methuen High School senior, to a rare form of anemia April 29.

He and Lauren Licciardi, a 15-year-old who died of leukemia three years ago, would have graduated from Methuen High School this year. The school will pay tribute to them at commencement June 5.

"We are going to have a moment of silence in their memory," said Principal Arthur Nicholson.

Timberlane Regional High School in Plaistow, N.H., lost senior Robert Stuart, 18, two weeks ago after he crashed his car into a tree in Atkinson, N.H. Principal Don Woodworth said the school has been talking to Stuart's family to see if any family members would like to accept his diploma. No decisions have been made yet on how Stuart would be remembered at the school's graduation.

"We're just trying to be respectful," Woodworth said.

Lawrence lost Rodney Correa, 20, a senior at Lawrence High School, who drowned April 25 while swimming across Berry's Pond at Harold Parker State Forest.

The number of tragedies in this area in such a short period of time increases the likelihood that parents will need to help their children cope.

"One of the most helpful things that parents can do is just be there for their child," said Jayan Landry, CEO and executive director of Trauma Intervention Program of Merrimack Valley. "Just to allow them to express whatever feelings they have."

Landry suggested that parents read a brochure titled, "Helping Others After Tragedy Strikes," which is posted on the TIP Web site, www.traumaintervention.com/resources.htm.

It's common for people to blame themselves when someone they know dies. Landry said her favorite technique to help someone is to point out the things they did right for the person who died.

Staff Writer Eric Parry contributed to this report.