On Oct. 2, Dr. Gary Cuccia came to Freedom High School to talk about his daughter, Demi Brae Cuccia, and her encounter with domestic violence. Junior Carly Park was one of the main volunteers for the assembly along with the guidance office and a few students. Park also set up various fundraisers to support domestic violence awareness groups such as the Ladies Hospital Aid Society (LHAS).

“Things such as domestic violence, bullying and other things really get to me and make me want to help as much as I can,” Park said.

“We are so grateful for Carly’s dedication and hard work. We appreciate the efforts of Ms. Rita Kaplin for coordinating our visit to FHS where approximately 500 students filled the auditorium to hear Demi’s message in addition to receiving information and resources on teen dating violence awareness and prevention,” Dr. Cuccia said.

Before FHS heard Demi’s story, a couple of volunteers from the LHAS spoke about how they help women who were victims of domestic violence. The women explained more about domestic violence and how people everywhere can help the cause. After students watched the video about Demi, the auditorium was silent.

Throughout the video, FHS students learned that Demi was stabbed by her ex-boyfriend on Aug. 15, 2007. What seemed to be a controlled breakup took a turn for the worst after a number of texts were sent to Demi before her ex came over and murdered her.

After the assembly, students were given bracelets and t-shirts with “kiss, hug and shove [does not equal] true love” on the front in reminder of Demi and domestic violence. These were provided by LHAS.

Learning about Demi’s story just shows how dangerous relationships can be. Students were asked to fill out a survey about domestic violence, which asked questions about the students’ knowledge with domestic violence in a relationship and if the assembly really helped them better understand the topic.

Some fundraisers that were held to raise money were Hat Days on Fridays, a cornhole tournament, a Bath and Body Works sale during lunch and the Pie-in-the-Face. After these fundraisers took place, FHS was able to raise $631.58.

On Oct. 10, four faculty members (Mr. Aaron Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Blaire Lasko, Mr. Nate Langelli and Mr. Frank Hernandez) and Carly herself, were pied in the face after volunteering to take part in the fundraiser.
Each teacher kept a container in their room for students to donate money to, and in return they would get to see their teacher get pied in the face.

Through the domestic violence assembly and fundraisers, FHS was able to raise money and have the chance to understand more about domestic violence.

Demi’s story was an example for this cause and held many lessons: Don’t break up alone. If you are in an abusive relationship, end it and move on. Also, if you are in an abusive relationship, or having questions about it, ask someone or tell an adult.