Garretson, who has taught Family and Consumer Sciences in grades 8-12 for the past 26 years at Southeast of Saline High School, challenges her students in this ninth-grade class each year to make a difference with an important social issue. The students identify the issue and educate themselves, hoping to "start a chain reaction" of awareness and commitment among their peers, Garretson said.

In past years, students have worked on cancer, hospice issues, and the Relay for Life, among others. This year Garretson's students did not even have to look beyond the classroom to find their cause.

"Right there in the room I have a picture of one of my former students, Kelly Jackson, who graduated in 1998 and who became a domestic violence murder victim in 2005," Garretson said.

The students quickly discovered at least two other graduates of their high school who also became domestic violence fatalities. They had their cause, but this year seemed a little different because the problem hit so close to home.

"They knew that these young women once sat right where they sit now, and their lives were cut short by violence that could ultimately happen to any of them," Garretson said.

To raise money and awareness, students sold purple ribbons to members of their high school community, donating the money to the Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK).

The class came to the attention of the Brungardts when Christie and Curt were invited to speak at a school-wide assembly to spotlight the issue of domestic violence. Also present at the assembly were family members of Kelly Jackson.

"When we heard about what these students were doing, and saw the results, we were just blown away," Curt Brungardt said.

The students signed up as "torches" at www.1100torches.org, the movement activated by the Brungardts to encourage others to commit themselves to an act of community service in honor of Jana Mackey.

Students who attended the Jana's Campaign kick-off press conference from the Life Dimensions class were Tess Tanvis, 14, Paige Edwards, 14, Haley Van Amberg, 14, Holly Mortimer, 14, and Camden Garretson, 15.

These students continue to sell the purple ribbons, and they are absolutely clear when asked what is the most striking thing they have learned from all their research and awareness efforts.

"It could happen to anyone!" they exclaimed in unison.

It happened to Kelly Jackson from their high school.

It happened to Jana Mackey, a seasoned and committed advocate for the issues of sexual assault and domestic violence.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Justice, on average three women every day are killed by their current or former partners.

"Domestic violence is often a hidden act," Curt Brungardt said at the press conference last Thursday. "Too often it is seen as a private matter between partners. It is not.

"Domestic violence is a public issue," Brungardt said. "Domestic violence is a public crime that demands a public response."

These students at Southeast of Saline High School have responded, joining the Brungardts and all who labor in this cause.