On Wednesday, April 7th, at 9:30 a.m. it was a beautiful day to celebrate something very important.

The entire San Saba High School student body participated in "Go Blue Day" at the practice field. There were gatherings all over the state of Texas having similar assemblies to recognize April as "Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month." Steve Spears, representative of CASA, reminded the students why they were gathered, recognized the assistance from teachers, thankful that SSISD allowed the students to attend, and then introduced County Judge, Byron Theodosis.

Judge Theodosis spoke with much compassion and awareness of child abuse in San Saba County. He quoted Governor Perry and gave hope that our community will work and help with the solution. A Proclamation proclaiming the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in San Saba County was read by Judge Theodosis. The Child Welfare Board of San Saba County is appointed by the County Commissioners Court.

Rev. Doug Suggs, President of the Child Welfare Board, was the next speaker. Rev. Suggs urged everyone to be aware of child abuse and to report incidents on-line at www.txabusehotline.org or call 1-800-252-5400. School help would be from Tracey Thomas, Peer Assistance & Leadership (PAL); and Alesha Rogers, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). One hundred and fifteen children have been removed from abusive situations and in foster care during the past ten years in San Saba County. In recognition of these children, 115 balloons were released into the air. Child Welfare Board members in attendance tossed the important message of "Children First: Protected and Connected" with the Report Child Abuse numbers on footballs, frizbees, glass holders and little megaphones that were caught by the students.

Steve Spears dismissed the group and asked the FCCLA and PAL students with the Go Blue Day shirts to stay for pictures. Others attending the event were: Missy King, Prevention Specialist, Central Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Dee Vickery, Off the Beaten Path Ministries; Malissa Mims, Director, Dove Project; Child Welfare Board Members: David Williams, Peggy Boswell, Louise Oswald, Charlotte Spence and Rev. Doug Suggs.