APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH
Attention was given to the prevention of child abuse at a special ceremony held Thursday, April 2, 2015 at the Grant County High School.
Mrs. Karla Hurley, Family Resource Center Director at Mason-Corinth Elementary, organized the event which included special guests from several civic and social agencies, plus representatives from each of the schools.
The program featured the presentation of colors by the Grant County JROTC color guard, musical performances by the Grant County High School Chamber Choir and comments from:
- Joel Griffith, Director of Programs/Services at Prevent Child Abuse KY
- Steve Wood, Grant County Judge Executive
- Carol Lapin, Director of Prevention Services, Family Nurturing Center
- Shannon Carney, Regional Network Coordingator, NKCAC/CCC
Several community partners were recognized for their ongoing efforts to protect children, while the high school students in the audience were challenged to be the generation that brings light, and ends the darkness of child abuse and neglect.
The program's finale event was a vocal performance by elementary students from Crittenden-Mt. Zion Elementary, Dry Ridge Elementary, and Mason-Corinth Elementary. The song, "When Love Grows" was written by Karla Hurley to offer hope and inspiration to survivors of child abuse and neglect.
"When Love Grows"
Written by: Karla Hurley
Music Composed by: Marcia Walters / Jeff Jackson
All around the world there are children who do not believe
They are loved and accepted, or their dreams they can achieve.
Like flowers need the sunshine to help them bloom and grow
Children need your love to nurture them, so that they, too, may grow!
Bridge:
So together we lift our voices for all the world to hear!
Our message for hope and love to replace all doubt and fear!
Chorus:
'Cause when love grows
The spark in our hearts can ignite
a hope for the future, oh, so bright!
And children everywhere will show,
to the world, their heart's glow, when love grows.
'Cause when love grows
No matter where you look you will find
There are people who are, oh, so kind.
And then our world will always be
Full of love for you, full of love for me!
That's what happens, when love grows!
Imagine if all children could spend each and every day.
In a home with a family, where they can learn, laugh, and play.
You see we don't get a second chance to be a little boy or girl.
What we need from you is love to help our dreams unfurl!
Chorus
When love grows! When love grows!
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Please enjoy the video below. Our apologies for the mic interference in the first 30 seconds or so. If desired, fast forward to 00:30 (but be sure to catch the message in the words written above).
VIDEO: http://youtu.be/A1xW0MuYI54
(Special thanks to the Grant County Video Production team for this video; to choral directors Caitlyn Pillow, MCE; Elsa Blake, DRE; and Jonathon Creech, CMZ; and to everyone making the event the success it was.)
May NO MORE children suffer from child abuse and neglect. MAY LOVE GROW!
Posted: Monday, April 20, 2015