St. Johns students aim to be Heroes in the Hallways: Nationally known speaker and author, Chad Varga joins Student Council members Jake Eaton and Dani Schaub and District Nurse Karla Palmer
Chad Varga, a nationally known speaker and former professional basketball player, knows what it takes to overcome adversity – including being bullied as a youth. His powerful message on the consequences of bullying, maintaining a positive attitude and relationships built on respect helped launch a new bullying prevention program, “Heroes in the Hallways,” which is being implemented at St. Johns Public Schools.
Varga spoke at St. Johns High School and St. Johns Middle School where he received enthusiastic receptions from students and staff alike. His presentation was coordinated by the SJHS/SJMS Bullying Prevention Committee which has worked to develop “Heroes in the Hallways” programming.
“The theme is a national campaign, but it was voted on and chosen by SJHS Student Council members as the slogan for this district-developed initiative to end bullying,” says District Nurse Karla Palmer, MSN, RN, who serves as the committee chairperson. “The district is committed to stopping bullying in our schools, and we want all students to treat each other with respect – be a hero!”
In addition to engaging Varga for the student assemblies, the committee developed “Heroes in the Hallways” posters and banners that feature an anti-bullying message and provide information for reporting bullying behavior via phone or by accessing a link on the district web site.
Posters are displayed in each classroom at both the high school and middle school, and on all primary-route busses. Banners are also in place at both buildings. Funding for all posters and banners at the high school was provided by the St. Johns Rotary Club; all posters at the middle school were funded by the Middle School Community Group.
“We appreciate the financial support made by these organizations,” Palmer says.
For detailed information on Heroes in the Hallways visit http://www.sjredwings.org/hero/