Reminder: Teen Light to Take on Bullying with 5K Walk This Saturday

The following is a release from Teen LIGHT coordinators:

Hundreds of 8th graders from the Marshall Simonds Middle School have made it their mission to end bullying and will hold their third annual walk-a-thon on June 4. The 5k walk will begin on the Burlington town common and include activities following the walk.  Proceeds from the walk-a-thon will be used to fund various educational events with the goal of ending bullying and promoting student connection, teamwork, and peer sensitivity.

Registration for the walk will take place at 9:30 a.m. on the common.  The morning event will include on-site registration, raffles, music, and activities for the walkers as well as the Burlington community.  The walk fee is $10 for children and teens and $20 for adults.

This is Teen LIGHT’s third year in Burlington.  Teen LIGHT is a ground-breaking community service program that develops young leaders and encourages students to transform the lives of struggling teens.  In its first two years in Burlington, Teen LIGHT raised nearly $25,000 to benefit teens struggling with depression, addiction, and abuse.  In response to the question, “What would you do to change the world?” this year’s Teen LIGHT group in Burlington is raising awareness about the issue of bullying.  Throughout the year, students collaborate as a team through a series of events and activities designed to educate and support teens while providing hope and optimism.  This year’s first event, a chocolate lollipop drive, raised over $2,600.  In the words of 8th grader Michaela Mazure: “An idea that begins as a question can turn into a project that can change the world.”

If you are interested in sponsoring Teen LIGHT or obtaining information regarding past and upcoming events, please contact Cheryl Mantia at 617-780-4237 or cmantia@teenlightprogram.com

Click the video to see students in the group explaining the 5k Walk to the Board of Selectmen during the Feb. 28 meeting.