Student-Led Bolingbrook High School Group Focuses on Anti-Bullying

Photo: Members of the Bolingbrook High School One Voice—Strengthening Society (OVSS) club examine paper hands complete with anti-bullying pledges from BHS freshman. The “helping hands” were placed on a wall near the BHS cafeteria.

Submitted by Valley View School District.

A grassroots anti-bullying effort that began in a Bolingbrook High School classroom is gaining significant momentum with literally dozens of students comprising what is now known as the One Voice—Strengthening Society (OVSS) club.

“Whether it’s in school or out of school, we want to be there for any kid or adult who feels the need to reach out to us,” said BHS senior Kayla Illingworth who, along with senior Kelly Boden, is spearheading the effort. “We’re a support group. We’re focusing mainly on bullying but a lot of things tie into bullying. We just want to help people.”

OVSS grew out of conversations in Marla Putnam’s Adult Living class that took place following publicity stemming from alleged bullying issues last fall.

“The kids said we have a problem here and we want to do something,” Putnam said. “They came to me with this idea and they’re knocking it out of the park. It’s incredible just to watch them.”

As one of their first projects, the group visited 31 separate freshman home rooms, securing pledges to stop bullying while, at the same time, seeking new members. Nearly 100 joined up and hundreds placed signed pledges on paper “helping hands” that are now a part of the club’s new logo that is visible on a wall near the BHS cafeteria. They also made a presentation to the entire BHS faculty.

“We’re going to reach out to sophomores and juniors soon,” said Illingworth who says she and Boden helped start the club because they both have had bullying experiences themselves. “We felt it was our responsibility to help others who are going through it.”

OVSS members also took their message to BHS Incoming Freshman Orientation Night Jan. 14 and came away with more than 50 names of 8th graders who want to help out.

“One of our next projects is going to the middle schools and elementary schools to talk to the kids there,” Illingworth said. “It would be nice to get this organization in every school.”

“They’re already having an impact on the community,” said Putnam. “These kids are fabulous.”

“We’ve already had lots of kids reach out to us and say they’re being bullied and they don’t know how to deal with it,” Illingworth added. “If you need advice on how to deal with something, we’re here. If you need someone to walk down to your dean and talk to him, we’re here for you. We basically want to support you and be your backbone if you need somebody.”