Editors, writers, and photographers from both the newspaper and yearbook staff attended the Indiana University Bloomington campus in Bloomington, Indiana for workshops this summer. They learned essential skills to help them create the best possible print newspapers, website, and yearbook for students, teachers and our community. Included are is some of the work that was produced by the students in week one. (July 5-July9)

Lindsey Payton

Multimedia Director, Online Journalism

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSSeaO6CbQw]

Carmen Huff

Co Editor in Chief, Editor in Chief lab

Carmen Huff

Denise Roberts EIC lab

Editorial

Unexplained injury, battery, and rape are often thought of when talking about abuse. However, there are many other types of domestic violence that teenagers do not consider abuse. Some examples of these are extreme jealousy, intimidation, and power control. Domestic violence is most prevalent in teenagers age 16 to 24; according to Middle Way House in Bloomington, Indiana. The crime also causes about 2,000 deaths annually.

The staff believes an entire community is disturbed by local domestic violence, not just the victim; or “survivor” referring to a victim who makes a direct decision to live. Therefore, creating a family type atmosphere to allow people a safe place to be open about their experiences and fears allows us to further protect not only ourselves but one another.

On a very rare basis, an abuser will follow the “survivor” to different shelters to try and contact them. Other shelters will enclose their locations to try and keep the people staying there safe. However, Middle Way House is open about where they are located and the volunteer opportunities available. By doing so, the staff creates a community presence that an abuser would have to be really forward to approach.

Having a community presence is a strong defense against crime in general. People who come together and let others know that they are safe and wanted and loved, are less likely to expose themselves to violence. Crime and violence is not something that only teens face, but a problem that continues as teens grow into their adult lives. We believe that coming together, as Middle Way House did with domestic violence, we will be able to overcome obstacles, protect one other, and grow as people and a community.