advertisement

Geneva middle schoolers create anti-bullying video

Submitted by Geneva Unit District 304

Nearly 200 seventh-graders from Geneva Middle School North have united to send a very important message to their peers: "We're Not Alone."

In recognition of Bullying Awareness Week, Nov. 17-23, the students filmed an anti-bullying video that featured an original song performed to the tune of "Cups."

The song, titled "Vikings Stand Up," features 198 students dressed in matching T-shirts, clapping and tapping out a rhythm in unison while singing verses like the following:

"We're not alone, we're not alone

It's you and me, we're not alone,

We will stand up and say

No, not this

No, not today!

Stand up together every day."

The video can be viewed through a link on the Geneva Middle School North webpage.

"For the last several years our guidance staff, teachers and students have collaborated to create several short videos that demonstrate our commitment to making positive choices in support of anti-bullying week," said GMSN Assistant Principal Maura Burns in a news release.

"This year's video is the product of our seventh-grade teachers and students and shows how creative, compassionate and thoughtful our students are. It is a tremendous message to all of our students about our commitment to stand together and support each other. I'm so proud of everyone involved with this project."

Video organizer and seventh-grade teacher Brenna Westerhoff said the students became intrigued by the idea that one person can make a difference while reading about Malala Yousafzai, a 16-year-old Pakistani student and activist who was shot by Taliban gunmen in an attempted assassination attempt, and how she stood up for herself and others.

During the discussions that followed, the idea for the video was born and quickly embraced by students who wanted to spread the important lessons of standing up for each other, making a difference and having a voice.

"Bullying comes in so many different forms that we want to help students recognize that they have a voice - a very powerful voice - and that they can make a difference," Westerhoff said.

"The real reason for the video is the 198 students who participated. Maybe the next time something happens, they will remember that they said they would stand up for each other. Maybe they will remember that they actually stood up and announced to their peers, 'I will make a difference and will stand up for you when I can.'"

The video was revealed to the school student body on Wednesday during Bullying Awareness Week, a joint declaration of Bullying.org and Family Channel aimed at celebrating and promoting solutions to the problems of bullying. More information about Bullying Awareness Week can be found at www.bullyingawarenessweek.org. The video was well-received by students and faculty alike.

"The seventh-graders loved it. They were proud, and many students wore their T-shirts on Wednesday to support the video," Westerhoff said. "An eighth-grade class even stopped by one of the seventh-grade classes to give them a round of applause."

The project also received support from the staff members, who pulled together to provide technology support, write lyrics, order T-shirts, or organize students so anyone who wanted to could participate. Staff members also can be seen in the video keeping the beat in their Vikings Stand Up T-shirts.

"I couldn't be prouder of our students and staff for taking a stand against bullying in this way," said Principal Larry Bidlack. "I am so thankful to be able to work with such wonderful people every day."

In recognition of Bullying Awareness Week, nearly 200 seventh-grade students from Geneva Middle School North filmed an anti-bullying video, which featured an original song performed to the tune of “Cups.” Courtesy of Geneva Unit School District 304
The video features the original song “Vikings Stand Up,” which is performed to the tune of “Cups.” Courtesy of Geneva Unit School District 304
The video can be viewed on the Geneva Middle School North webpage. Courtesy of Geneva Unit School District 304
The video for “Vikings Stand Up” features 198 students dressed in matching T-shirts, clapping and tapping out a rhythm in unison while singing about standing up for each other. Courtesy of Geneva Unit School District 304
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.