Freshmen Kendall Dreibelbis and Frannie Bottorff joined the Connect Program this year. Photo by: Maria Herrera
By Maria Herrera
With bullying being a recent topic of discussion, Plymouth High School has had their school bullying program called “Connect” for at least two years and is continuing to do so.
Bullying can affect one’s life in a way another person can not understand. Going into the “Connect” program gave a new perspective on bullying for senior Cheyanne Schwertner. She said, “It [has] given me a new perspective on other people and their stories. It showed me that I wasn’t alone in getting picked on. It also showed me the more serious effects. I saw things that I never knew before. I knew teens had committed suicide because of it, but I never knew it was that bad.” Along with Schwertner, senior Sommer McClellan agrees that the Connect program has given her a new perspective on bullying. “I think that it has because I notice that everyone gets bullied even the ‘popular’ people,” said McClellan.
Students have memorable moments while being in the connect program. Schwertner said, “My most memorable moment was when we had to write a name on a sticker and rip it off. It shocked me to see that even jocks get degraded and bullied. A lot of the names were so surprising because I never knew those people were called what they were called.” Connect can show that not only do certain “clicks” get bullied. Freshman Frannie Bottorff has had a little less of a memorable moment. She said, “When we were watching a video on stereotyping it was awkward.”
Not only is “Connect” a way to conquer or learn more about bullying it is a place where anyone can make new friends. McClellan said, “I talk more to [seniors] Mariah Tepper and Mack Mercer.”
It is not only students who interact and come forward with their feelings on bullying, but instructor Milene Jeffers runner of the Connect Program for nine years said, “It [has] affects me deeply. It hurts me deeply to know there are so many kids that feel they are not worthy right now. At the same time, it makes me want to make aware of the program to change things.”