Mercer Island Girl Scouts learn self-defense

May 2, 2017 2:30 pm
Members of Cadette GS Troop 44297 learned how to protect themselves in threatening situations from a police officer and martial arts instructors. Photo courtesy of Terese Broccoli
Members of Cadette GS Troop 44297 learned how to protect themselves in threatening situations from a police officer and martial arts instructors. Photo courtesy of Terese Broccoli

Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) officer Jennifer Franklin visited Cadette GS Troop 44297 from Mercer Island to share information on how they can be aware of their surroundings, and protect themselves from harm, in possibly threatening situations.

After the meeting, the GS Cadettes — ranging in age from 11-13 — went to Mercer Island Martial Arts at 2630 77th Ave. SE for a self-defense class with Jessica Merly, Claudia Vleck and Graham Smyth.

“The girls really loved the class and were empowered and learned useful information on what to do if approached by an attacker,” according to their troop leaders, Terese Broccoli-Bourscheidt and Danielle Orr-Bement.

Cadette GS Troop 44297 takes a self-defense class at Mercer Island Martial Arts. Photo courtesy of Terese Broccoli

Cadette GS Troop 44297 takes a self-defense class at Mercer Island Martial Arts. Photo courtesy of Terese Broccoli

Mercer Island Girl Scouts pose with MIPD officer Jennifer Franklin. Photo courtesy of Terese Broccoli

Mercer Island Girl Scouts pose with MIPD officer Jennifer Franklin. Photo courtesy of Terese Broccoli