Niles senior Haley Rough hopes that when people pass by Niles High School and see the hundreds of pinwheels sticking out of the ground, they will take a moment to realize just how prevalent child abuse is in the United States.

“When you realize that, based on statistics, 1 out of 10 children are abused, it opens your eyes,” said Rough.

To honor and raise awareness about child abuse prevention, students and staff at Niles High placed pinwheels featuring special messages beneath the sign on the school lawn Thursday. The pinwheels — the symbol of child abuse prevention — were placed to commemorate the end of Child Abuse Prevention Month (April).

Studies show that 1 out of 10 children will be sexually abused or exploited before their 18th birthday, according to the Berrien County Council for Children. That means, based on the district’s enrollment, more than 400 students within the district will be abused in their lifetime, statistically speaking.

“I didn’t realize how many people were abused. It’s surprising,” said Niles student, Paige Heath.

At lunchtime this week, students contributed their spare coins to help make a change by writing a positive message about how to prevent child abuse. The messages were then attached to the pinwheels.

“This shows our community that we are ready to step up and be positive role models when we can,” said Joan Langmeyer, student support counselor at Niles High.

The pinwheels were placed in the ground by students from Students Against Destructive Decisions, National Honor Society, Viking Vision and Key Club.

“People sometimes pay more attention to a visual,” said Langmeyer. “That’s what we are going for.”

In addition, students discussed child abuse prevention and awareness throughout the week.