Criminal Justice: The Honorary Place
Image via Madison Stone
The 2018 Victimology class on Tuesday, May 1, 2018.
Arapahoe Community College’s Victimology class has planted trees in honor of victims of violent crimes. This sanctuary is to bring awareness to the victims of crimes that happen in our world today, from sexual assault, harassment, bullying, to mass shootings. They strive to create a peaceful place where students and faculty are welcome to join in unity to keep each other aware of the victims and the crime that surrounds them.
Terrie Bechdel, chair of the Criminal Justice Program teaches the Victimology class at Arapahoe Community College. This class studies the roles of different types of victims in the criminal justice system. Students study victims responses psychologically, emotionally, and how it affects their lives.
The Victimology class in the 2018 spring semester wanted to build a peaceful place on campus in honor of the victims of violent crimes. This year they planted trees and in the coming years they want to add benches, a half-circle paved walkway and top it off with a plaque. Each addition stands as a dedication to different types of victims.
Madison Carney (left), Jordan Scott (middle), and Moises Ceja (right) standing with the tree they named, Herbert on May 1, 2018.
In preparation for planting, the 2018 Victimology class distributed different tasks for each of the students who were participating. Some students brought water and gloves, while others fund-raised for the trees to plant them.
Deklan Baggett (left), Karla Casillas (middle), and Claudia Duran (right) with their tree named, C.D.K. on May 1, 2018.
Victimology worked with the ACC campus landscaper to discuss where to place the trees and what kind of trees to get. The class was working with a community gardening group who offered $150 to help buy trees, however, they withdrew their funding when they were informed the class was buying Aspen trees. Terrie explained that the landscaper requested Aspen trees because they are easier to maintain, but the gardening group was environmentally opposed to Aspen trees.
Louis T. Struna (left) and Noah Heneke (right) standing with their tree named, Dawson on May 1, 2018.
On May 1, 2018, the class spiked the ground with the tip of the shovel and walked through the school with the four trees they had raised enough money for.
The dedication is located south of the main building, where they plan on potting flowers and letting the trees sprout. The location will only grow to be more beautiful as the years pass.
One of the four sprouting trees planted on ACC’s campus on May 1, 2018.
“We’ve got to spread the word and make sure one another is safe. Stand up for yourself and stand up for one another.” Says Jordan Scott, a student in the Victimology class.
To learn more about the trees or the Victimology class, contact Terrie Bechdel- [email protected]
Madison Stone is a first-year Arapahoe Community College student. She was born in Seoul, South Korea and was adopted in May 2001. In her free time, she enjoys playing the guitar, soccer, and being creative. She aspires to be a strong...
