Maine South High School
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Senior week festivities planned
Monday Senior farewell photo
Tuesday Clash day
Wednesday College shirt day
Thursday Hat and boxer day
Friday Camera day
Class of '89 gets "Street Smarts" Last week, on May 10, during seventh and eighth periods, seniors attended a special assembly entitled "Street Smarts." The program was designed to increase awareness of violent crimes and drinking-related accidents on college campuses. Leading the assembly, John O'Shea, a professor of law enforcement at Oakton Community College, cautioned students about involvement with strangers. He emphasized caution, alertness, and that students should always trust their instincts. He said that walking with confidence demonstrates that you are in control, and many times potential ^criminals are taken aback. O'Shea also warned that the best way to avoid a potential crime is to "just [walk] away," not to lose one's temper and try to fight backâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;most often, the criminal has a weapon, such as a knife or revolver.
Secondly, the assembly stressed the importance of avoiding alcohol and drugs because "when you get high and mellow, your instincts get clouded up." O'Shea's third main point dealt with being aware of clothing and accessories. Certain colors represent different gangs and could be potentially dangerous if worn in the wrong neighborhood. Especially dangerous is the tendency of suburbanites to wear expensive jewelry, even when riding on the El. He pointed out that "you may look good, but you're asking for trouble." On college campuses most violent crimes, such as rape, occur within the first few weeks of freshman year because students seem to wear signs across their chests that read "potential victim." Most alarming is the statistic stating that 72% of the time, rape victims
know their attackers. Rapists most often take advantage of girls who have been drinking, who look vulnerable or intimidated, or seem to be daydreaming. "Date-rape" is the most common type of rapeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and the most avoidable. If the girl does not feel uncomfortable, is experiencing uneasiness, or her instincts are telling her that something is wrong, O'Shea emphasized that the girl should end a date immediately, but smoothly. The purpose of the assembly was to try and show the graduating seniors that the world that they are entering, the supposed protected world of a college campus, is not as safe as we think. By keeping students informed, the administration hopes to keep students safe. Many crimes, injuries, and painful experiences can be avoided, if a student is just "Street Smart."