FARMINGTON – A high school English class took to Main Street Thursday morning, holding handmade signs to bring awareness to the plight of those suffering from sexual and domestic abuse.
The students, all freshmen in teacher John Schoen’s English class at Mt. Blue, stood in front of the post office in sub-freezing temperatures with their signs, to the occasional honks from passing traffic. The students had been reading ‘Speak,’ a common book in high school reading courses. Written in a diary format, the novel by Laurie Halse Anderson tells the story of a student trying to work past the trauma of being raped.
Schoen offered his students the opportunity to conduct the project as a real-life counterpoint to writing another essay on the subject. Seven out of 10 of his students took him up on the offer, creating their own signs and spending three hours in front of the post office. Others circulated a petition and information about domestic violence and sexual assault provided by SAVES.
“I asked them if they wanted to use the book as a symbol, or be a symbol,” Schoen said. “It was about getting out there, maybe being a little bit uncomfortable.”
Students said reading the book was “emotional” and they wanted to make a difference.
“I think it’s important for people to know that there are people out there that need support,” student Tashia Berkey said.
Thank you to all those willing to BREAK THE SILENCE.
What great courage it takes to put yourself out there and send such an important message to your peers. What an awesome bunch of students!!!!
I Loved that my son was a part of this important stand. When i attended mt blue high school i also participated in the saves program and attended the march each and every year. A great message to other students to get involved and let their voices be heard.
Wow, it’s great to see young people taking their learning experience out of the classroom and into the community. I am very impressed by these teens, what a well rounded experience. I hope we can follow suit as a community and support our youth and those who work to help victims of this very real problem.
I saw those young people out there and was very proud to see them taking a stand against domestic violence at such a young age. Kudos to the teacher and all the students involved.
what a great sight and an inspiration for others to follow. You were all very brave to stand out there in front of hundreds of people. Thank you for making others aware of these problems