Police are searching for a 17-year-old boy who went missing on Sunday.

Cooper James Nemeth was last seen in the early morning on Feb. 14 in the Valley Gardens area.

Community members have planned a search for Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 4:00 p.m starting at the Gateway Community Centre.

Police describe him as white, 6 feet (183 centimetres) tall, 170 pounds (77 kilograms), with an average build, short brown hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a black jacket with a River East Marauders hockey logo on the front, black pants and brown skater runners.

Police are concerned for Nemeth’s well-being. Anyone with information can call the Winnipeg Police Service missing persons unit at 204-986-6250.

River East Collegiate has a crisis team working with students, talking to them about their concerns and gathering any information they know.

"We're trying to make sure students have all the supports that they need in this difficult time,” said principal Diana Postuhmus. “It's very tough when one of your friends is in this circumstance."

Postumus said Nemeth is in Grade 12 and expected to graduate this year.

"Great kid, he's doing all the right things. He's one of those students that we're hoping finds his way back and that he'll be able to graduate in June," she said.

For friends of Nemeth, his disappearance is difficult to comprehend.

"Friday I was with him, he's missing now, like, it's all too hard to process," said Katrina Colles. "We don't want to bring it up, because pretty much whenever we bring it up, someone just breaks down."

Keanna Colles urges people to get involved in the search for Cooper, who she says everyone knew by the nickname "Cip".

"Everyone needs to get out there and search for him," she said. "Even if you don't know him, come out."