(Lander, WY) – Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon visited Lander Valley High School Tuesday morning to sign a proclamation declaring February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, speaking briefly to a gathering of students and teachers about the importance of recognizing and preventing abuse in relationships. 
Gordon read the proclamation aloud on stage and thanked students for attending, emphasizing that communities must remain “vigilant” in addressing the issue and breaking what he described as the ongoing cycle of violence.
During his remarks, Gordon said everyone in the community has a role in setting examples for children. “We each have a role to play about teaching children and each other about what healthy relationships look like,” said Gordon.
He referenced statistics showing that a majority of teens experience dating violence and noted the state’s broader efforts to support affected communities. “Part of our continued effort is to work with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Task Force, “ said Gordon.
The governor kept his stop short due to a scheduled appearance at the Inn at Lander later that morning, where he was set to take part in a Wyoming budget discussion. In closing his visit, he encouraged students to look out for one another and help create safer, more respectful relationships in their schools and communities.
H/T Carl Cote for County 10