PROCLAMATION - Mayor Bill Price signed a proclamation declaring Feb. 6-10, National Dating Violence Awareness arad Prevention Week. Pictured with Mayor Price are front row (l-r): Mary Peetz, Sloane Schneider, Katie Fletcher, Bergan Carr and Jacquie Stowell. Middle row (l-r): Carol Koenig, Tiffany Vandersnick, Amber Beseggio, Anne Kersenbrock and Ashtin Soukup. Back row (l-r): Randall Lihs, Ashley Vandersnick, Jenna Connot, Kayla Nichols and Mark Zakrzewski.

By Gina Clyde and Bergan Carr BRAVO (Bullying Recognition and Anti Violence Organization) is recognizing Feb. 6-10, as National Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week. BRAVO has planned activities for the O'Neill community throughout the week. Some of the activities include: painting store front windows, having trivia questions at both the public and St. Mary's schools and on KBRX, tying ribbons to car antennas, being featuredron the KBRX Doghouse morning show on Monday, Feb. 6, creating radio public service announcements, student survey, city proclamation and more.

BRAVO started last fall with Bright Horizons and the HTC Youth Task Force teaming up to write a grant proposal. The team was one of 20 selected from across the United States to attend a training in Washington. D.C. In August 2005, Katie Fletcher, Bergan Carr, Sloane Schneider and Gina Clyde attended the Youth Outreach for Victim Assistance training. They received a $3,000 grant to pursue a media campaign and promote awareness from the National Center for Victims of Crime and the National Crime Prevention Council. BRAVO is currently made up of 20 O'Neill Public and St. Mary's High School students.

Many community members have expressed concerns about the dating violence and bullying that occurs among O'Neill youth and teens. BRAVO is working to promote healthier relationships and educate youth on community resources. BRAVO members have educated the St. Mary's Elementary students on bullying and asked them to sign contracts, promising not to bully. They helped out with the RESPECT program last fall that educated teenagers on dating violence and elementary students on bullying. Members served on the panel to answer questions from the teens. BRAVO has also recorded radio public service announcements on KBRX.

BRAVO members are looking forward to bringing education on a vital topic to O'Neill and surrounding communities. They are excited for the coming year and have many fun activities planned to help make our community a healthier place for people to live.

For more information on BRAVO or teen victimization, please contact youth leaders Katie Fletcher, Sloane