Hathaway Brown School News

HB's class of 2010 is rallying behind the cause of educating young women about keeping themselves safe in dating relationships. They've partnered with the Domestic Violence Center of Greater Cleveland to spread this important message.

On February 2, HB was proud to welcome Johanna Orozco, a brave young woman who was brutalized and shot by her boyfriend. Now a domestic violence prevention advocate, Johanna shared her moving story with the senior class. She pointed out the warning signs of abusive relationships and offered advice to young women who might find their friends or themselves involved in dangerous situations. A brave and inspirational speaker, Johanna says she's on a mission to end the cycle of violence and to tell women that there is hope.

"I'm lucky I'm alive," she told the class. "I speak out for those who didn't make it and for those who are afraid."

Over the course of the next few months, HB seniors will be raising funds and hosting collection drives to benefit the Domestic Violence Center of Greater Cleveland. All of the proceeds from the school's annual Carnival - which will take place Sunday, April 18, 2010 - will be donated to the DVC as well.

Fund raising initiatives include sales of specially designed purple apparel and merchandise created to commemorate Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention month.

The students also hosted a special table at Quicken Loans Arena during RESPECT night on February 6, when the the Cleveland Cavaliers took on the New York Knicks. A story about their efforts and the work of other teen leaders appeared in the February 7 issue of The Plain Dealer. Read the feature online at cleveland.com: Northeast Ohio high school students honored during halftime of Cavaliers game for efforts against teen violence.

For more information about the DVC, visit the organization's website: www.domesticviolencecenter.org. To learn more about this year's Carnival and what you can do to help, go to www.hb.edu/Carnival.