Willowbrook hosts 3rd annual ‘Purple Out’ in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Throughout the month of October, the color purple could be seen throughout Willowbrook, as the school hosted a “Purple Out” in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first Day of Unity observed in October 1981 by the coalition. The Day of Unity is celebrated on the first Monday in October, and support is shown by wearing purple.

Willowbrook senior Christian Cloutier started the “Purple Out” initiative two years ago. This year, Cloutier teamed up with the Mentors program and the Interact Club to distribute information to students about domestic violence. They also handed out purple ribbons to recognize the month.

This year, Cloutier and his peers implemented a Domestic Violence Awareness poster contest as well, and the top three entries received gift cards. The winners are:

• 1st place: Junior Ivana Valencia
• 2nd place: Junior Samantha Asher
• 3rd place: Senior Queen Bantugan

Cloutier said he began the “Purple Out” at Willowbrook because one of his family members was affected by domestic violence, and he wants to make sure his classmates don’t suffer that same fate. Find out more about Cloutier’s work on the Facebook page for Domestic Violence Angels at http://tinyurl.com/k7mwj9d.