By Patrick Baron

BLOOMINGTON – Two groups of teens were awarded first and third place in the NO MORE Teen Dating Abuse Video Challenge.

The challenge from the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence had groups from across the state make a video depicting the warning signs of an abusive relationship and how to seek help. Bloomington-Normal Regional Alternative School won first place, while Hudson’s Green Scouts took third.

Social work intern Lachrisa McAllister, who worked on the video with the RAS group of teens, explained they wanted to illustrate emotional abuse as opposed to physical abuse.

“It’s almost subtle,” McAllister said. “Some people think it’s normal or some people think it’s not a big deal, but I think that’s why they wanted to talk about it. Sometimes they start off with those red flags and it’s not always immediately physical.”

For winning first place, the teens received iPads and a $1,000 grant provided to their school.

The Green Scouts illustrated a physically abusive relationship with a group of friends caught in the middle of the violence. Green Scouts director Maggie Borkholder says to accurately depict an abusive relationship, the scouts discussed the issue with their parents.

“We had several family-based meetings moms and dads and kids came together to discuss domestic violence, to talk about the realities of what that looks like, and how to confront it,” Borkholder explained.

Regional Superintendent of Schools Mark Jontry, who was present at the event, said the recognitions show how effective teens can be at providing an educational message for their peers.

“I think it’s a credit not only to our kids but also the staff that helps enable them to utilize their skills and potential in order to deliver that message,” said Jontry.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].