Hays High School has its own Student Advisory Board for Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, which is a service that people can call or go to at any time that helps with domestic relationships. Throughout the fall, the board will be hosting two different activities to highlight the organization and help community members.

First, the Options Student Advisory Board will host a day when they ask all Hays High staff and students to wear purple in honor of everyone who has been through domestic relationship problems or even sexual assaults. This will take place on Thursday, Oct. 20 in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Week, which is Oct. 20 through Oct. 24.

“I think sexual assault is a problem that everyone should learn about,” junior Lily Garrison said. “[Junior] Harley Werth brought me to one of their [Options] meetings, and I found it to be a very big issue in our society, and I became very passionate about it.”

The student board will also host a supply drive in November for victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault. They will be taking donations, such as canned food, new hygiene utensils, clothing, etc.

Issues with domestic relationships can occur in different ways, as some problems can be physical, sexual or verbal, but Options helps people through these issues and gives them a safe space.

If students want to get involved or volunteer with Options, they can talk to club sponsor Sue Ann Tebo or a club member, including Garrison, Werth or junior Arely Maldonado. Meetings are usually during PRIDE Time every couple of weeks in the Lecture Hall or Tebo’s room.

24jwente@usd489.com