Eighth-Graders Speak Openly About Bullying

East Haddam Patch Whiz Kids of the Week: Nathan Hale-Ray Middle School Eight-Graders.

Whiz Kids’ Representatives: Will Evans, 14, and Charles Bass, 14.

Whiz Kids’ Accomplishment: Both of these boys, as well as 60 percent of their grade, spoke openly to each other about how bullying affects them and others.

Whiz Kids’ Key to Awesomeness:  Guided by their teacher Glen Anderson, the eighth grade, including Will and Bass, met in an open mic setting called Open Your Hearts Day on Feb. 11 to discuss how bullying affects themselves and others. About 60 percent of the students got up to speak about their experiences with bullying.  Two known school bullies even got up and apologized to the students they had harassed.

When I asked Will what his key to awesomeness was, he replied that he would find strength to confront a bullying situation because he knows it is the right thing to do. He said the people who are bystanders are supporting the bully. Charles said his past reaction to bullies was to respond physically. He knew it was wrong, but he now knows that he can get help and that he can stop the bullying using other methods. 

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