The chapel service on Tuesday, February 16, 2010, focused on making students aware of the prevalence of gangs in the city of Huntsville. Officer Carl McDuffie of the Huntsville Police Department, a trained expert in gang awareness who has helped train Oakwood Public Safety Officers, spoke to the student body. He shared prevention measures, and emphasized that students can help prevent gang activity on campus by being honest and speaking up when they know valuable information. Students were taught what to look for in regard to potential gang-related initiations, symbols, colors, and clothing. Overall, the Gang Awareness Chapel served as a way to ensure that students stay aware of gangs and the gang mentality.  By being both aware and informed, every individual can help keep Oakwood’s campus safe.

~ Ashley Batiste, Student Writer in the Public Relations Office