Friday, October 22, 1999
Kids just say no to violence
BY ANDREA TORTORA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
INDEPENDENCE — Students at Summit View Middle School wanted a way to take a stand against violence. Purple ribbons, pledges and plenty of people did the trick.
Thursday was a day of peace at this Kenton County school, where members of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) organized their school and community into a human chain throughout the middle and nearby elementary building.
“There's so much violence and stuff going on in the world we decided it would be good to do something positive,” said eighth-grader Jon Rohman.
Eighth-grader Alicia Nason said students wanted the community to know they are different from other schools.
Students sent letters to 150 community members, asking for their support in a fight against violence. They received 50 responses. Students signed pledges to not bring weapons to school.
Liz Knasel, FCCLA adviser, said the peace rally was a way for students to participate in Thursday's nationwide anti-violence campaign.
Students at several Northern Kentucky schools also took pledges against violence.
The Holmes High School FCCLA chapter in Covington passed out purple ribbons to students who signed a pledge against gun violence.
At Gray Middle School in Union, students participated in the Ribbon of Promise program with clergy and police. The program was started by firefighters in Springfield, Ore., after a school shooting.
Gray Middle Principal Tom Hummel said the program can influence students' decisions.
At Summit View, students invited police, firefighters and their parents to participate with them.
The “peace chain” formed inside the elementary and middle schools with a short outside stretch of students connecting the two buildings.
“After everything we're doing today,” said Yauncey Pettitt, eighth grade, “students should get the message that violence is not acceptable.”
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