Lynn English kids have date with reality

LYNN – As another prom season approaches, students at Lynn English High School are getting a sobering dose of reality as the school’s Peer Mediation Group reminded them Friday that their dating and dancing fun can quickly turn sour when violence erupts.Using money raised by members of the group and additional funding from Help for Abused Women and Children (HAWC), the school held two performances of the one woman play The Yellow Dress, a dramatic portrayal of dating violence, which illustrates how it can effect young women.Students in the program, who have been trained to help fellow students resolve school-based conflict, worked to raise the funds needed to bring the program to the school. With prom season approaching, and in light of the recent abuse scandal involving musicians and popular teen celebrities Chris Brown and Rhianna, the program was especially timely.”We as high school students know that there is extra pressure during prom season to take part in risky behavior, such as drinking, which may lead to situations of dating violence,” said mediator Angel Soto.The Yellow Dress, which was produced by Sydney Patten and written by Deborah Lake Fortson, is presented by Deana’s Educational Theater, an non-profit organization out of Stoneham.The play not only gives students a look into the world of dating violence, but also offers accurate information, tools for intervention and reinforces the concept that verbal, emotional and physical violence are never acceptable in a healthy relationship.After the powerful performance, students were asked to participate in a question and answer session where they were encouraged to avoid alcohol and other drugs that may lead to violent outbursts and women were urged to speak up if they find themselves in a violent relationship.Performed from the female perspective, the play is geared primarily toward female teenagers, painting the man as the violent party in each situation, but the mediation group is open to talking to both male and female students who may be victims of dating violence.”This program will help our students identify the warning signs of abusive behaviors, understand the unique aspects of teen dating violence, help friends and family members and develop school community awareness of the issue,” said Peer Mediation Coordinator Virginia Keenan. “Our hope is to develop a school and community culture that does not endorse, promote or accept violence in relationships.”