Geneva middle-schoolers take on bullying

Two Geneva Middle School South students are taking on bullies, spreading the message that “Vikes Play Nice” to their teachers and schoolmates on special wristbands.

The two came up with the idea after an assignment in their seventh-grade language arts class, in which students were to research the concept of empathy and how it could be put in to action.

Monica Altmayer and Pranita Sarangabany decided to raise awareness about bullying and money for the Trevor Project, a national organization that focuses on crisis and suicide prevention among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning teenagers. Monica knew of the charity because it was the one the family of Michael Kimmer chose for a memorial fundraiser in 2010 several months after the Geneva High School freshman killed himself.

Monica and Michael had a mutual friend, and that friend told Monica Michael had been bullied a lot.

The rubber wristbands say “Vikes play nice; stand up to bullying.” They come in Geneva Viking blue and white, or Geneva Viking blue and black. (The girls figured boys would be more likely to wear the blue and black, and consulted with their classmates to confirm the colors.)

They ordered 600 bands, and began selling them in early January for $1 apiece. So far, more than 400 have been sold, netting more than $200 for the Trevor Project.

Both girls said they have been bullied. Pranita, who is of Indian descent, had to deal in fifth grade with a neighbor who was racist. “That was not good,” she said.

And both acknowledge they have been less than perfect.

“Everyone gets the occasional comment,” Pranita said. “I’m not going to say I haven’t talked behind somebody’s back.”

“Honestly, everyone has done something,” Monica said.

Pranita says Monica is not afraid to confront bullies.

Teacher Liz Cardwell is proud of Monica and Pranita.

“They have done it all,” she said. “I think it is really neat they have such compassion. It is rare in middle-schoolers.”