TAUNTON - United States Attorney Carmen Ortiz, in partnership with Taunton Public Schools and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, will present a powerful youth violence prevention event for approximately 650 middle school students at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at Taunton High and Parker Middle Schools.
U.S. Attorney Ortiz will offer remarks, along with District Attorney Thomas Quinn, Taunton Mayor Thomas Hoye, Taunton Police Chief Edward Walsh, and other special guests.
“Your Future, Your Decision," is a half-day in-school program which has been presented to nearly 6,000 middle school students statewide. The program emphasizes the importance of making good decisions, especially when young people face choices that could lead to gang activity, guns, drugs and bullying, and more. Following the speaking presentations, students will attend a resource fair featuring local organizations offering after school and summer programming.
“It is extremely important that we get the message to young people that it is not too early to start thinking about the decisions they make and how their choices can impact the rest of their lives," said United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz. “Many outside factors influence youth, and it is critical that we arm them with the tools to confront difficult decisions as early as possible. It is our hope that the ‘Your Future, Your Decision’ program will give young people the skills and confidence they need to make good choices throughout their teenage years."
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
