Latest news with #ChicopeeHighSchool
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Hampden DA's Office hosts ‘Preventing Dating Violence' program for students
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Students from Chicopee High School participated in a presentation hosted by the Hampden District Attorney's Office on Monday to discuss dating abuse prevention. This presentation was offered through the DA Office Community Safety and Outreach Unit's (CSO) '1 in 11: Preventing Dating Violence' program. Over 1,100 Chicopee students came to watch a documentary detailing the story of Kathryn Mauke, a Springfield teenager who was killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2015. Springfield man convicted of deadly stabbing denied new trial In the film, Kathryn is portrayed as an accomplished student and individual, participating in the Oxbow Water Ski Show team and the American International College Model Congress. Throughout high school, she had a boyfriend a few years older than her, and when she broke up with him and started dating someone new, he had a difficult time moving on. 'I knew he was into things that I didn't want my sister getting into,' Kathryn's sister, Ashley Mauke, shared in the film. 'Not terrible things, but just like, smoking weed and doing extracurriculars that weren't something I did and weren't something I wanted my sister to do. For those reasons, I told her to stay away from him right off the bat, but who's going to listen to their older sister? Especially when it's about a guy.' The film stated that Kathryn's ex-boyfriend continued contacting her and demonstrating emotionally controlling behavior toward her. On February 11, 2015, Kathryn felt sick and stayed home from school. When her ex-boyfriend tried to contact her, she told him she was sick and that their relationship was over. Kathryn's sister, Mariah Murke, came home from school later that day and found Kathryn dead with 32 stab wounds. Kathryn's tragic story has allowed the Mauke family to partner with the Hampden DA's Office and educate students on dating violence in an effort to prevent future tragedies like this one. 'Nearly one in 11 female high school students, and one in 14 male high school students have reported experiencing physical dating violence,' Hampden DA Anthony Gulluni said. 'There is no doubt that teens are at a high risk, and that abuse happens more often than we'd like to believe. However, if you know the warning signs, you're better equipped to protect yourself and those around you from abuse.' After watching the documentary, the students spoke with the CSO team on recognizing dating abuse warning signs, such as excessive calling or texting about whereabouts, isolation from loved ones, and threats. They also received resources from the district to take home and to place inside bathroom stalls and other discreet places throughout the high school for those who may need help. Excessive calling and texting about whereabouts Isolation from family and friends Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse Threatening violence toward a partner or oneself Withholding money or credit cards Seeking control Use of alcohol, drug use, Stress as excuses for their behaviors WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Chicopee remembers 15 fallen heroes on eve of Memorial Day
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)—Since 1992, the 15 fallen heroes from Chicopee who made the ultimate sacrifice have been recognized on the eve of Memorial Day. Wilbraham honors fallen soldiers at Memorial Day ceremony The brave men lost their lives during the Vietnam War. Some of the soldiers were as young as 19, with the oldest in their late 20s. A tradition to attend for many, the Jr. Air Force ROTC from Chicopee High School took part in the ceremony to honor the fallen. 'We do this every year, and it's great to see everybody come together, and like have the community together,' says Cameron Burton. The names of the fallen and their stories are engraved on the walls at Chicopee Vietnam Veterans Park, as they will never be forgotten. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Heart and kidney transplant recipient inspires local students to consider donation
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – A heart and kidney transplant recipient is now sharing her journey with students at Chicopee High School. Lauren Meizo was given a second chance at life thanks to two organ donors. Now, she hopes to see high school students check the box to become an organ donor when getting their driver's license. Lauren Meizo underwent two heart transplants and a kidney transplant, which allowed her to continue living her life. It was all because two women decided to check the box to become organ donors on their driver's licenses. She told 22News, 'I know I can get through a lot of things more now than I think back to what I have been to been through. Some things seem like hurdles, but in the grand scheme of things, I've been through worse. So I am much stronger.' Meizo revisited the classrooms and halls of Chicopee High School as a past grad to share her story with students. She hopes that through her words, she will inspire students and show them the importance of organ donation and the impact it can have on someone's life. Meizo explains that becoming an organ donor is an opportunity to save a life while you're still organ donor could potentially save up to eight lives. 'You don't realize that if I'm an organ donor, I can go help save the life of a mother with three kids. I can give sight back to a grandfather who's never seen his grandkids or can't see his grandkids anymore,' she adds. Meizo's niece, Madison Thibault, who attends Chicopee High School, decided to become one, knowing the difference it can make, 'I don't want to have to see somebody else go through those hardships. I want people to feel secure and be like they know that their loved ones are coming.' Meizo is proud of her niece and hopes that more students will follow in her footsteps through her awareness efforts. In the U.S. right now, more than 100,000 people are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, and another person is added to the waiting list every 8 minutes. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Chicopee mayor defends religious message broadcast on street sign
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – An electronic street sign operated by the city of Chicopee posted a religious message on Monday. Now, residents are asking who authorized this message, and how it relates to local government. A 22News viewer sent pictures of this street sign with a bible quote attached, posing the question of how religion plays a factor in local government. Springfield nonprofit receives donation for neighborhood rebuild event On the corner of Front Street and Wheatland Avenue, an electronic sign that's normally used to warn of road hazards posted inspirational messages Monday morning. One of them was a Bible verse from the Book of John, reading, 'If God is all you have, then you have all you need.' This was no accident, according to Chicopee Mayor John Vieau. When asked about this message, he defended it, saying it's not about religion. 'There's no intention to offend anybody, and it says 'In God We Trust' on our dollar bill,' Mayor Vieau said. 'If you don't believe in God, that's not what it's about. It's about a feel-good message to have some feelings of belief.' While the idea of the sign is to broadcast feel-good messages, when adding religious context, it can put into question the relationship between church and state. The sign is posted right outside Chicopee High School. The superintendent of the Chicopee School District declined the request for an interview. However, 22News spoke with one resident who said he runs right by the sign every day. 'I actually run over here and I see the messages,' said Joseph Rivera of Chicopee. 'I actually think they're good, 'cause they mention God and they mention good stuff like that. This one here says don't be afraid, just do it. I think that's perfect, especially for runners. I'm a boxer too, so that's actually perfect.' Mayor Vieau also said if the sign offends anyone to contact his office and it will be removed. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hampden DA discusses leadership at student athlete seminar in Chicopee
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Hampden District Attorney (DA) Anthony Gulluni made a special appearance at Chicopee High School and Chicopee Comprehensive High School's first ever Student Athlete Spring Seminar last week. On March 12, Gulluni was joined by his Community Safety and Outreach (CSO) unit, as well as Coach Chris Streeter of Westfield State University's men's soccer team, to discuss sportsmanship and citizenship with the young athletes. St. Patrick's Day Breakfast sold out at Hotel Northampton Gulluni stressed to the high schoolers the significance of making smart choices that can influence how to become a leader. 'Hard work is the answer to everything,' Gulluni said. 'Say to your teammates, 'I have this plan, I'm doing this, it's going to make our team better and stronger, and you should join me too.'' The CSO team discussed social media usage with the group and its impact on self-image, college acceptance, and beyond. The students were shown a video on how one photo on the internet can affect their lives. Coach Streeter discussed the college recruitment process with students and parents regarding when to start contacting coaches and what to include in athlete highlight videos. He reiterated DA Gulluni's emphasis on the importance of being a well-rounded citizen willing to make an impact. 'If you're not a good person, if you're not willing to work hard, if you're not willing to hit the books, or not willing to train hard – none of this will apply to you,' Streeter said. For more information on the Hampden DA Office's Community Outreach programs, visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
