In health classes at Weston High School, students learn in the signs of an abusive relationship and the risk of emotional and physical harm. However, they don’t learn how to de-escalate scenarios or protect themselves. Julie, a Girl Scout Ambassador from Weston, wanted to take this education to the next level.

She started by distributing school-wide surveys and conducting interviews with self-defense instructors, health teachers, and wellness directors. Using this research, she created a two-week program that teaches unique self-defense lessons in cooperation with the high school health teacher and a group called Project Impact.

Over five days, 25 young women received extensive training on emotional de-escalation techniques, physical defense moves, and how to be an upstander—someone who recognizes when something is wrong and acts to make it right. Julie also raised awareness about self-defense at her school by teaching a self-defense lesson plan to junior physical education classes. Health and physical education teachers will continue the program in their classes.

“Being a Girl Scout means that every day, I am making an effort to stand up for what is right, and be a role model for younger girls and all people,” Julie says. “This project relates to how I want to feel, and how everyone should be able to feel—safe, confident, and powerful.”

Julie is a fearless leader who stands up for others!