We wrapped up National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month with a visit to Ingomar Middle School on Friday, February 28, 2014. Dr. Cuccia was given the privilege to be a keynote speaker. He shared his daughter Demi’s powerful message on Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention with 270 8th grade girls during their GOLD Program. The GOLD Program, Girls Overnight Leadership Development, is an overnight program for 8th grade girls to attend. This program is open to all 8th grade girls in the three middle schools in the district. GOLD is designed to help girls gain a positive self-image, make healthy and positive life choices, build self-confidence, and make new friends.
We sincerely thank Mrs. Colleen Burg, Ingomar Middle School English Teacher, for inviting Dr. Cuccia to be the first-ever male presenter for the GOLD program. It was a memorable evening and we look forward to working with you and your student coordinators for next year’s presentation.
We also extend a heartfelt thank you to our personal friend and grief therapist Mary Volkar, for her participation and support during the evening’s event.
The students gave Dr. Cuccia and Demi’s message a standing ovation, and then made a mad dash to our station in the lobby to get their Demi wristbands, informative brochures and a signature LHAS xoshove≠trulove (kiss hug shove does not equal true love) t-shirt.
