Organizers didn’t know what to expect. They weren’t disappointed.
The first ever event sponsored by the newly-formed Heart of Habersham Project drew around 200 people to Habersham Central High School Friday night. Among them were dozens of local and state public safety officials. They were there to lend their support, their funny poses and dance moves, and to light up the night sky with emergency flashers when the sun set.
Light the Night Against Bullying was billed as a family festival. It was much more than that.
Amidst the fun energy of bounce houses, a dunk tank, dance music, and lights, there was a serious message…”Stop the Bullying.”
It’s a message that resonates with young people, many of whom who have witnessed or been targeted by bullies in school, in social and civic groups – even church circles – and online.
Heart of Habersham wants to change that.
“The Heart of Habersham is basically a student-led anti-bullying chapter,” explains president Angela Barrett.
The student board describes the group this way: “We stand for kindness and respect. We will step up and stand out! We stand for honesty, dignity, and TEAMWORK! We stand for making a difference in our school! We have a voice!”
Stepping up and standing out
Stepping up and standing out are often difficult things for young people to do. The fact these teens are willing to, makes their group unique. It’s not about conformity, it’s about embracing people’s differences.
Light the Night succeeded in doing what organizers hoped it would do, it brought the community together.
Parents and students got a chance to visit with school administrators and Resource Officers in an informal, festive setting. Kids even got to dunk a few in the tank. It was the first step in public team building and a chance, too, for parents and students to gather advice and resources on how to deal with bullying.
Even though it’s in its infancy, this group has shown its potential staying power. Right at 75 local businesses and agencies threw their support behind its inaugural event.
It’s just the beginning.
“We’ll be in our schools to help raise awareness about bullying and just show kindness and respect and unity,” says Nakisha Roland, one of the group’s adult organizers.
Bullying Prevention Month
Now that Heart of Habersham has officially launched, the group’s getting ready for their next big project.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month.
The Habersham County Board of Commissioners recently issued a proclamation recognizing the month-long observance. Commissioners are encouraging individuals, schools, church, and civic organizations to participate in events and activities “designed to make our community safer for all children and adolescents.”
If you’d like to join the Heart of Habersham Project, partner with the organization, or become a sponsor, contact Angela Barrett at (706) 499-8525 or Nakisha Roland at (706) 499-9089.
Feature photo by Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham
