Schaumburg H.S.'s anti-bullying group triples members in year

With hopes of putting an end to bullying and a desire to bring a sense of common good to Schaumburg High School, the Lead Out Loud club recently wrapped up its second annual Unity Week.

Lead Out Loud, the student leadership facet of Schaumburg's Saxon Pride committee, is a club dedicated to getting the school community to unite under the banner of acceptance.

The week began with students and staff wearing orange, the color of anti-bullying. Students then were presented with the opportunity to sign an anti-bullying pledge through PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center (http://www.pacer.org/bullying/). The week culminated with the announcing of the Twitter challenge and with Lead Out Loud students presenting their peers and school staff with symbolic orange carnations as they entered the building.

"It was clear they (students and staff) appreciated the thought behind what we're trying to accomplish, which is to build connections with each other," said LOL sponsor Kelli Carleton.

She said she believes that the group's success is a tribute to the Schaumburg High School students dedicated to improving school culture.

"Students want to lead the way for changing our school culture here at SHS," Carleton said. "They really want the school to have more of a family atmosphere where everyone feels accepted. The student leaders in LOL truly believe that change starts today and the past is in the past. They want to leave a 'tattoo' or 'footprint' on what 'We Are SHS' means."

The club started with 30 students and has grown to more than 90 in under a year. Carleton believes the club growth reflects student willingness to be a part of making Schaumburg High School a better place for everyone.

"I'm proud of the number of students who took their personal time to contribute and show empathy for their fellow Saxons," Carleton said. "We get new members weekly. To say I am inspired is an understatement."

Student leaders began preparing and organizing over the summer as many attended a multi-school leadership conference that promoted leadership skills and inspired students to work on changing the culture of their respective schools.

"By participating in LOL, I can work to help everyone feel accepted and leave SHS a better place," said member Ben Joffee.