New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence honors Concord student for her bravery
Student punished by administration at first for spreading rumors, has since been praised for speaking out
Student punished by administration at first for spreading rumors, has since been praised for speaking out
Student punished by administration at first for spreading rumors, has since been praised for speaking out
A Concord student was honored Thursday for speaking up when she felt a teacher was acting inappropriately toward students. At the time, she was punished. But she is now being praised for her bravery.
Concord High School senior Ana Goble was chosen as keynote speaker for the annual celebration of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
Goble was a seventh-grader when she was suspended on accusations she was spreading rumors when she spoke up about a popular teacher’s alleged inappropriate behavior.
“I’m here because survivors should not be the only ones speaking up and stepping out,” Goble said during her speech.
Earlier this year, the teacher, Primo “Howie” Leung, was charged with sexually assaulting a student at a camp in Massachusetts. He has pleaded not guilty.
“I just felt like something wasn’t right. My stomach hurt whenever I saw Leung interacting with certain students, and I just knew I had to say something,” Goble said.
The principal who suspended Goble and the superintendent are now on paid administrative leave.
Goble said she feels supported at school and said there has been a positive shift in how people talk about sexual assault in her community.
She has never regretted following her gut and urges others to be brave and speak up for themselves and others.
“I can tell you that speaking up is worth it. Standing up for others is worth it. Doing all you can to make sure no other child is victimized is worth it. Showing up and holding others accountable so no one else is hurt, that is worth it,” Goble said.
The coalition also honored Strafford County Attorney Tom Velardi, who was described as a champion for victims, and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs for going above and beyond to stand with survivors.