student Alex Orange was killed while trying to stop a fight at an off-
campus party. His classmates turned their anger into something
positive. In 1989, they formed the Students Against Violence
Everywhere (SAVE) organization at West Charlotte High School. The
club teaches members about alternatives to violence and encourages
them to practice what they learn through school and community service
projects.
The club is now a national organization with nearly 200,000 members.
This year, West Charlotte will hold the 13th annual National Students
Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Summit and celebrate the 20th
anniversary of the founding chapter Oct. 16-17.
"It is fitting that we are conducting the National SAVE Youth Summit
at the birthplace of SAVE, West Charlotte High School in Charlotte,
NC," said Dr. Pamela L. Riley, executive director for the National
Association of SAVE.
West Charlotte's chapter has been involved in the planning of the
national summit. Students and advisor Tabitha Miller worked with the
national group to set up workshops, activities and invite guests.
"My mom knew Alex Orange and remembers when the club started," said
ninth-grader Alexis Watson and member. "She told me about SAVE and
encouraged me to join."
John Scott, a junior and president of West Charlotte's SAVE Chapter,
has been named to the National SAVE Youth Advisory Board. The 10-
member board will meet throughout the year to discuss school violence
issues, develop action plans for SAVE chapters and lead the national
chapter.
"I've had to persuade my own friends from fighting," said Scott. "If
other people strive to do the same, there would be much less violence."
On Friday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m., West Charlotte students will hold a
vigil at the school. Alex's mother and several of his classmates will
attend and make remarks. The national chapter will also dedicate a
bench to the school that will be placed in the peace garden.
The national summit is Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at West
Charlotte High School. Students will discuss bullying, driver safety
and dating violence. They will also watch dramatic presentations
about peace and ending violence.
In 2009, the West Charlotte club was named SAVE Chapter of the Year.
The chapter was recognized for student involvement in promoting crime
prevention, conflict management and service-learning activities.
SAVE currently has more than 1,800 chapters in 47 states. Members
include college, elementary, middle and high school students. For
detailed information on the summit, visit www.nationalsave.org.
