Warren Students Nominated For Standing Up To Bullying

WARREN, NJ — As part of a program with the New York Jets to Fight Bullying, two Warren Middle School students were nominated as being an Upstander — a person who demonstrates kindness, compassion and caring to another student, especially in standing up for someone who is in danger of being bullied.

Winners for weeks one and two of the program were sixth-grader Megan Saum and eighth-grader Joshua Claxton for their caring and inclusive behavior toward their schoolmates.

"I attended an anti-bullying conference sponsored by the New York Jets this summer," said social studies teacher Lynn Degen. "It was an amazing conference but the best part was the end of the conference when they gave participating teachers a kit with which to reward students who are Upstanders in their community."

Each Jets Upstander of the Week winner receives a T-shirt, bumper sticker and three tickets to a Jets home game. A picture of each Upstander is posted on the district’s social media for the chance to win a schoolwide visit from members of the football team.

“It is wonderful to be able to recognize the fine example being set by so many of our students. It is their leadership that sets the tone that Warren Middle School is a safe and welcoming place for all students,” said Superintendent Matthew Mingle.

(Photos via Warren Township Schools)

Photo 1 - Warren Middle School 6th grader Megan Saum was chosen by her teachers and peers as a Jets Upstander of the Week, a program sponsored by the New York Jets that promotes an anti-bullying message and rewards those who support inclusiveness among their classmates.

Photo 2 - Joshua Claxton, an 8th grader at Warren Middle School, is the Jets Upstander of the Week for week two of an anti-bullying program sponsored by the New York Jets to reward those who show caring and compassion to others.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.