Community School of Naples grad Prout to tell of N.H. school sex assault

Chessy Prout, a Community School of Naples graduate, will discuss her book at an event in North Naples on Monday night.

Prout said she was sexually assaulted at St. Paul's School in New Hampshire as part of a ritual known at the school as the "Senior Salute." She was in ninth grade at the time.

Since then, Prout has become an advocate for survivors of sexual assault and abuse.

She co-authored a memoir, "I Have the Right To," with Boston Globe investigative reporter Jenn Abelson, who has written extensively about sexual assault in New England prep schools.

The book recounts the trauma Prout experienced and how she coped. It also examines rape culture and the importance of consent in sexual encounters and relationships.

More:Commentary: I Have the Right To: Giving a voice to survivors of sexual assault

More:Chessy Prout turns trauma into opportunity to advocate for others

Prout grew up in Japan. She and her family moved to Collier County in 2011. She attended the Community School of Naples for two years, then attended St. Paul's School her freshman year and half of her sophomore year of high school. 

Prout, one of last year's Naples Daily News Graduates of Distinction, has said she was bullied by classmates after alleging she was assaulted and that the school did not acknowledge what happened to her.

She returned to the Community School when the bullying became overwhelming.

Monday night's book presentation and talk will take place at Venue Naples, 13240 U.S. 41 North, Suite 205.

A cocktail reception for VIP ticketholders will start at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will meet Prout and Abelson from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. VIP tickets cost $150. VIP ticketholders must be 16 or older.

General admission tickets cost $50. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the event will start at 7 p.m. Ticket sales will end Sunday, March 25.

Tickets can be bought online at www.ihavetherightto.eventbrite.com or www.wellfitgirls.org under "Upcoming Events."

Guests can buy Prout and Abelson's book at the event and have it signed.

The event will raise money for Wellfit Girls, a leadership organization for teenage girls. The nonprofit group promotes fitness, health, education and empowerment.