Area authorities attempt to increase students' awareness

On Wednesday, Feb. 22, the male students at Kennett High School participated in an educational program provided by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John Spielman, Circuit Court Judge Dan Crawford and Dunklin County Sheriff Bob Holder. The program focused on crimes of sexual nature and the responsibility of fatherhood. [Click to enlarge]

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John Spielman joined forces with Associate Circuit Court Judge Dan Crawford and Dunklin County Sheriff Bob Holder to address the male students at Kennett High School in a program designed to raise awareness of the aspects relating to sex and fatherhood.

It was the second presentation the three have made at the campus following the initial presentation that was given approximately two years ago.

The overall theme of the program was based on sexual behavior and the consequences that follow.

KHS principal Ed Siebenhuener introduced the first speaker, Crawford, who focused on the laws relating to sexual misconduct and made students aware that he and others are prepared to enforce the law.

One of the main focuses of his talk with the students was about the consequences and repercussions that come from sex, such as pregnancy.

He explained that fathering a child was a serious commitment, and more importantly, a responsibility that is enforced by the law.

"When you father a child you are required and expected by law to provide support for that child," Crawford said. "It is your responsibility following a situation which you created, no one else can be held accountable but you."

Crawford stressed the importance of realizing that, along with fatherhood, comes the responsibility of physically supporting the child, as well as providing a great deal of financial support, insurance coverage for the child, and daycare and educational expenses, among so many other obligations.

He also pointed out that having a child means loosing certain freedoms that young high school boys have become accustomed to.

"That child is entitled to just as much as you have if not more," he said. "The obligation that you will have to that child will remain in place for a long time and, as said before, it is my job to enforce that obligation."

According to Crawford, what is important to think about is that it can happen to you and that it is important to consider the fact that, after the biological act, serious repercussions can follow.

"It is common for me to put people in jail for not supporting their children, so think about that," Crawford said.

Spielman followed Crawford, speaking to the students about various sexual situations and the legalities that pertain to those situations.

He clearly defined what the laws currently state on an adult prosecution level and juvenile prosecution level in reference to individuals of any age who commit crimes. Spielman also made clear that anyone 17 years of age is subject to prosecution as an adult.

"It is my job to file charges against criminals," Spielman said. "I am hear to talk to you about consequences involving the law in terms of what affects you directly and no one else."

Holder echoed the message previously spoken by both Crawford and Spielman, once again stressing the importance of knowing the repercussions of having sex at an early age or with someone else who is also not at the appropriate age to be involved in sexual behavior.

He also gave insight on what it is like for him as the Dunklin County sheriff to be directly involved in the original arrests and or investigations of crimes of a sexual nature and of child support related cases.

He informed the students about child molestation as well as registered sex offender websites and talked with them about how it could affect them realistically, whether it be because they have been charged with a crime or, in looking to the future, as a parent of a child.

Holder and the other two men conducted a question and answer period. The purpose for that portion of the program was so that all students would feel as though they completely understood the message that was being sent, according to Spielman.

Some of the boys at the high school also approached the men privately following the program and asked specific questions relating to their individual concerns.