On Thursday, March 13, the sophomore students at St. Francis High School participated in a self-defense and violence prevention workshop taught by FLO Fitness and Martial Arts (Palatine) with the assistance of the Women’s Self Defense Institute, and led by instructor Shannon Mahoney (www.defenduniversity.com). This was part of the safe environment requirement through the Diocese of Joliet for which programs are provided to all students every year.
“This was a great activity to empower our students when faced with a threat. They learned techniques to feel and be safe,” said Joe Horeni, health and physical education instructor at St. Francis High School.
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Statistics cited by the Women’s Self Defense Institute indicate that one in five girls in high school, one in four females in college and one in 30 males in college, are sexually assaulted. This workshop was presented to the students as a positive experience in awareness and in learning how to protect themselves from becoming victims. Shannon Mahoney said, “Training in self defense not only educates and increases awareness, but it most importantly increases self confidence, empowerment and the ability to take control of your safety.” She believes St. Francis High School is “being proactive in giving their students additional lifesaving skills,” and admits they were “impressed with every hit, yell and kick” from the St. Francis High School students.
