Students showed support for each other and those who have been bullied Wednesday, February 25 by wearing pink.
Students at DVSS are leading the way in curbing bullying at their school.
Last Wednesday, February 25, was Pink Shirt Day. It was observed at the local school to spread awareness of bullying. Students from Grades 7-9 showed their support for the cause and donned every kind of pink they could muster to make it a success.
The endeavour was more than symbolic. The Friends of Rachel (FOR) Club took on a number of activities including leading discussions on their experiences with bullying. These came from the perspective of the bully and the victim, spreading all the way to the effect on families.
Lincoln Linville saw the day as productive.
“I feel like with everything that everyone has gone through being bullied, it really showed how much our school stood up to wear pink, especially some the leaders in our school, some of the senior guys, showing they care for younger students,” said Linville. “It proves that everyone has a heart and understands other people.”
He said his experiences with bullying taught him that what matters is what you think of yourself.
The FOR Club is about 50 strong and encompasses students from all areas of the school, all showing leadership. Teacher Lynn Hemming added there is even quite a contingent from the Drumheller Titans supporting the efforts.
Rhett Duggan says the diversity is reflective of the problem and the solution.
“I think it is your everyday person, I don’t think people set out to make other people feel bad,” he said.
Another student who has been bullied adds that understanding where the bullying is coming from can help you understand.
In his experience, he was familiar with the home life of his bully, and it helped him make sense of the situation.
“Most bullies are going through something on their own,” he said.
Hemming says one of the most effective ways the school has found to connect with bullies is through other students.
“That is what the FOR Club is about, to make really uncool to bully, make it unacceptable,” she said. “Kids don’t care what I think, I can lace down a junior high kid and say “you’re not cool,” but they really care what other students think of them,” she said, adding just by her bringing in peers that may be mentors for some of the younger students does help to make a connection and change behavior.
The goal is for students to feel safe.
Matt Metzger says he has experienced bullying, but the FOR Club’s efforts are making a difference.
“I feel safe here with the sponsors,” he said. “I’m glad everyone is here for me.”
