Students join to tell bullies: "Stop"

HAMBURG, N.Y. (WIVB) - Frontier Middle School has found a unique way to draw students together in the fight against bullying.

Middle school principal Margaret Jones-Carey said, "This was a student generated idea. It's a commitment on the part of the school and the community at large, which is what brings everybody together."

Patty Watson, who has five thematic aerial images on display at the Smithsonian, is positioning about 1,500 people, mostly students, into the shapes of a red hand and the word "Stop." It is uniquely a group and individual experience that requires everyone's cooperation. Everyone shares in the message.

"They'll have this image in their head: Stop! Stop doing it. Stop being a part of it. Lend a hand. Help out somebody who's in trouble here," explained Watson.

Two students who were in trouble here, bullying victims Meghan Pokojski and Nicholas Humphrey, found the courage to initiate a "No Hate" campaign on student lockers. Students design their own messages and take a pledge on the back to help stop bullying. The idea is to stop it before it escalates.

Humphrey said, "Telling people that it's ok to go ask people for help, and don't be shy. Ask someone you trust."

"I overcame it by going and talking with my trusted adults, like my teachers and counselor about it," added Pokojski.

And stand up together they did for an experience Watson hopes will stay with them long into the future.

Watson stated, "And it's just this absolute awe when we're done, that everyone came together."