Break the Silence hosts coloring contest for Taylor ISD pupils
The Break the Silence Project is not even 2 years old yet, but its awareness initiative to prevent childhood sexual abuse continues to grow, board members say.
Representatives from the nonprofit organization recently presented the winners of its first annual holiday coloring contest with certificates and Christmas stockings filled with treats and toys to students at two Taylor Independent School District campuses.
The project is dedicated to raising
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We are advocating on behalf of kids to break their silence, those who are being abused and neglected.”
— Donna Turner, Break the Silence board member awareness and sharing resources for young victims targeted by abusers. The coloring contest was geared to increase the organization’s local visibility.
“It was a delight just to see the look on their faces, and they were shocked that they actually won,” said Donna Turner, a board member of Break the Silence, which recently received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and is best known for hosting a free 1.4 mile run and resource fair every spring. “This was something that we plan to do from here on out now.”
Break the Silence co-founder Marcus Reese said 140 students from TH Johnson, Naomi Pasemann and Main Street elementary schools entered the 2024 coloring contest.
“We are really happy with the participation level,” Reese said. “It was really fun to see how creative our students are. The staff at all the schools were very happy and supportive of the contest and that made coordinating all of our efforts easy.”
First grader Ezekiel Bailey, who learned he won first place for his age group during the presentation Dec. 20, said he enjoyed the experience.
“It was so awesome because I like doing fun activities and doing coloring sheets,” Bailey said. “And just to win first place, I feel good, and I feel happy. This is my first time winning first place.”
Priscilla Moreno, another founding board member who serves as the victim-services coordinator for the Taylor Police Department, said the coloring contest allowed Break the Silence to give back to the community.
“We have so many ideas about doing little events and stuff like that,” Moreno said. “We want kids to know about Break the Silence, and we hope they can start educating themselves about child abuse and prevention. It’s something we want them to be comfortable with, knowing that we are there.”
Break the Silence Board members also said they are gearing up to host their third annual run from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 12, featuring speakers, family friendly games and activities and the opportunity for attendees to speak to support groups and other organizations that provide direct services to victims and other resources.
Turner, who is also a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Williamson County as well as a registered nurse, said it is a privilege to serve area youth through Break the Silence.
“We are advocating on behalf of kids to break their silence, those who are being abused and neglected,” Turner said. “We want them to know that they have support out there and that their voice can be heard.”
