Victoria Dennis, Student at Bedford's Fox Lane Middle School, Inspires Anti-Bullying Effort

The following story was written by Vicki Weisse:

Victoria Dennis has not only figured out a way to overcome the bullies but she also hopes to help other that are victims of bullying as well.

Victoria has written and recorded a song that addresses her struggles with bullying over the past several years. Once we shared this with the principal and administrative staff at The Fox Lane Middle School (in Westchester NY) they were inspired join Victoria in her efforts. The principal has decided to help promote ‘National Bullying Prevention Day’ this year, which is October 6th. In addition to encouraging all the children to wear blue in support of bully prevention, Victoria will address the student body to say a few words against bullying and the school will play Victoria’s song throughout the central PA system.

Over this past summer Victoria got together with a family friend and very talented song writer, Shatic Mitchell. Together using Victoria’s journal they were able to put her pain, fears, sadness, frustration and triumph into a song that Victoria hopes will inspire all and help those in need to overcome their bullies. Victoria recorded the song along with a music video over the summer as well. Victoria is singing all the lyrics, all the harmonies and yes even rapping. Victoria’s song is available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and most of the other digital downloading site for purchase. All of Victoria’s proceeds will be donated to an anti-bullying foundation in hopes of helping make a difference.

Victoria Dennis has been a student of the Bedford Central School District since kindergarten she is now in seventh grade, in The Fox Lane Middle School. For the same amount of time Victoria has also been in the child entertainment business. Victoria is a mild mannered, regular 12 year old girl that has never attempted to bring attention to her moderate success. As in similar cases of child entertainers Victoria’s accomplishments have not come without harsh envy from some of her schoolmates and even some parents. However, that is exactly what gave Victoria the inspiration and determination not only to write a song about her struggles but to help others that are experiencing the same troubles for whatever reasons.

Victoria’s bullying began in the second grade with notes being passed in school containing harsh words and graphic images directed at her. This continued on into third and fourth grade where it escalated into more of a verbal bullying and harassment and followed her onto the bus as well. Despite our efforts as parents to communicate with the school what our daughter was experiencing on a regular basis, the bullying continued. The bullying was coming from a select few children who despite the schools efforts to speak with these children and their parents, they continued their behavior. Children would say thing like ‘she thinks she’s a model’ or ‘she sings like a fat elephant’. She would be pushed out of line or tripped while walking down the hall and things of that nature. Despite all of the negativity, with Victoria’s determination and the positive encouragement and support from my husband, myself and Victoria’s younger sister Bella, Victoria continued on with her career. As parents we began to address the issue with Victoria from more of an adult view point . By doing so Victoria began to realize and understand that it wasn’t herself that was different and in need of guidance, but the kids that were bullying her were the ones.

Transitioning into middle school was a big worry of ours, being that the 5 elementary schools in the district all come together in one building. However Victoria did not begin middle school the way that all the other children did. Victoria landed a role in the Broadway production of ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ where she was tutored on the set from September through December. Her schedule allowed her to attend her school on Mondays (if so desired). We felt it necessary for her to attend on Mondays so that she would be familiar with the school when she returned in December, and she would not lose the connection with the friends that she had. Wouldn’t you know the second Monday that she attended school the bullying began all over again, this time with kids she didn’t even know from the other elementary schools. Sixth grade for Victoria was a difficult year because the bullying escalated again. The verbal bullying became much more vulgar, the cyber bullying began and even physical bullying started in certain instances. We were in and out of the principals, guidance counselors and even the superintendent’s office for the entire year. We even considered home schooling Victoria because it was getting to the point where we felt it was too much for her. One of the best things that we are able to provide for our two girls is a very open and honest line of communication and we make sure that they are comfortable coming to us with any and everything. I believe that is one of the reasons how Victoria was able to make it through the sixth grade.

Throughout all of these years we encouraged Victoria as part of the way to deal with the bullying was to keep a journal of her feeling and thoughts as a way to let out her frustrations, emotions and to express herself. In doing so this became a great tool for her to reflect back on when she decided she wanted to share her story and help others that are being bullied as well.

Some of Victoria’s professional accomplishments are –

Print ads for - Nikon, Toys R Us and Harlequin Books,

On camera work – Nick Jr., Fisher Price, Under Amour, and this season Victoria has a co-starring role HBO’s Boardwalk Empire

Performances –along with Victoria’s local charitable work for various organizations, Victoria has been in several productions at the Westchester Broadway Theater, she is a 3 time winner at the World Famous Apollo Theater she has performed at BB Kings and as mentioned above was in the Broadway production of ‘Little Miss Sunshine’.

As parents you can imagine how proud we are of Victoria’s hard work, determination and professional accomplishments in her 12 short years. However in our eyes her greatest accomplishment is not only overcoming the bullying and negativity she’s been faced with for so many years but the fact that she wants to help other do the same. That is what sets people apart from other, their willingness to help and make a difference. We hope you will see the inspiration that we have in Victoria and help her spread her message and positivity.

Respectfully,

Vicki Weisse

Photo: Victoria Dennis portraying a bully and a victim. Photo credit: Tricia Messeroux

Thank you Vicki for the news tip. If you have a news tip, send it to tips@patch.com orACE@patch.com. Be sure to include the name of your Patch!