“Survivor Literature” is a class at East Aurora High School where students study literature from major historical events where survival was at a premium. This year we have become interested in abduction and sexual abuse. We have read the book, A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard, in which she details her abduction at the age of 11 and her 18 years in captivity.

Jaycee has already committed to visiting East Aurora High School in April, and we are raising funds for that visit. We are also fundraising to continue to raise awareness for abduction and sexual abuse.

To raise the funds, as well as to raise awareness for these important topics, the students have created the “A Stolen Night: 18 Hours for 18 Years” lock-in during which approximately 170 students and faculty members will confine themselves to the East Aurora High School Field House for the entire evening.  The participants will take part in a number of symbolically relevant activities.   The purpose is to not only raise money and awareness, but also to emulate, in a very small way, all that Jaycee was forced to sacrifice.