Goodbye Friday to Students: Don't Bully!

Quit bullying.

That was Goodbye Friday's message to Hopatcong Middle School students Wednesday. The Hopatcong band spent a few hours performing, but their main intent was to help the school push an anti-bullying platform.

Principal Lou Benfatti was glad to host the group, which will also speak to students Thursday.

"We wanted them to teach the kids the bad things about bullying and insults and things that go on in our school," he said. "We thought this would be a good idea to share with them their experiences and what they would do differently (if they were still in middle school). And by doing an acoustic set, as well, where they're able to play—it shows the kids what they're good at."

Each band member took questions from Benfatti and also spoke directly to the students in the library. While the bullying-isn't-cool message was prevalent throughout the presentation, the bandmates also shared personal experiences. Drummer Mark Braun admitted he was shy in sixth grade. Guitarist Aaran Henriquez said he wished he spent less time playing video games. Lead singer Rocco Costanza said he had similar experiences as his bandmates.

"I think by continuously reminding the students what our expectations are, it's something that will help them feel safer and do better in school," Benfatti said of the presentation.