Senior student projects put best interests first

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Ms. Demattia wrote in her paper that her senior project was the most constructive and enjoyable thing she did in high school.

Turning to a more sober topic, Kat Monterosso's presentation focused on victims of sexual abuse on Martha's Vineyard, which she termed "the silent plague of the Island."

Ms. Monterosso plans to major in psychology and minor in women's studies at a women's college in Roanoke, Va. She said her project was a first step to explore the possibility of becoming a counselor for sexual abuse victims.

"In general, it's a taboo subject," Ms. Monterosso said. "The high school population doesn't take it very seriously. Blame is usually placed on the girl, and there have been multiple cases of girls being harassed and teased."

Ms. Monterosso's presentation focused on five victims of sexual abuse, rape, and assault - including herself. The four students she interviewed came forward after she began talking about her own experience last year, she said.

"I was upset at how many girls came up to me and said, 'Me, too,'" Ms. Monterosso said. "I realized how widespread this is, and how many people won't come forward to their families or friends." She said the teasing and harassment in high school directed at female students who were victims "absolutely blew me away."

"I think it's really important in our community, especially in the high school, to reach out to girls who have been assaulted," Ms. Monterosso said.

She also worked with Edgartown School health teacher Sue Costello and interviewed her about programs used with the Island's elementary and middle school aged students.

"The only way to change our community is through educating the population - I feel that the earlier a child is taught what is right and what is wrong, the better," said Ms. Monterosso, adding that she thinks it's too late to change the attitudes of students her age.

She closed her presentation with a quote from a victim who told her, "It's just a bump in the road of life - you have to get over it. Don't stop and keep fighting it - don't let one day ruin your life."

Ms. Monterosso's committee included social worker Jennifer Wey from the Dept. of Children and Families, Dr. Jane Dreeben of the Church Street Collaborative, and mental health counselor Susan Fieldsmith.

The senior project pilot program started with 2 students in 2007 and grew to 9 students last year. Principal Steven Nixon proposed the idea in 2006 as an assistant principal.

Looking ahead to next year, Mr. Hart said he hopes more people will attend the senior project presentations, which are open to the public.