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CPS Students Honored For Participating In Anti-Violence Programs

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago Public Schools students who took part in summer anti-violence programs gathered at the South Side Community Arts Center Friday to celebrate their accomplishments.

As WBBM Newsradio's Mike Krauser reports, some of the students did art projects, and others were involved in sports programs. They attended seminars and workshops on bullying, conflict resolution and gangs.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Mike Krauser reports

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Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez applauded the accomplishments, but had some words of caution.

"What I've seen in the courtroom is that when that gang member shoots and kills somebody, the gang members not there for that child. Their mother is," she said.

Police Supt. Garry McCarthy talked about trying to change the no-snitching culture.

"I want to be clear about something," McCarthy said. "If you are a victim or a witness to a crime, you are not snitching if you tell us what you saw. "

But high school student Shay Larkin says the no-snitching ethic is driven by fear.

"You know, like, you snitch, then somebody will try to kill you, or something like that," Larkin said. "So it is a little fear into it too. It's just going to take a while to get over that fear."

And what police often find is that even the victims are unwilling to say who shot them.

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