On February 22, Huntsville High School (HHS) students showed their support for their bullied peers on Pink Shirt Day, a day that began in Nova Scotia. There was a grade nine boy being bullied for wearing a pink shirt so two boys – David Shepherd and Travis Price – gave pink shirts to all the boys in the school to show that it shouldn’t matter what colour shirt you wear.
Seth Cooper, 14, was one of the HHS students decked out in pink. “I believe anybody should be allowed to wear pink, no matter their gender,” he said.
Bullying can have extremely harsh effects on adolescents. Bullied students may suffer from depression or might struggle in school. HHS Vice Principal Kelly Picken said, “Pink Shirt Day is very important to Huntsville High School because it brings an awareness to the issue of bullying to the forefront. I think it’s important that everyone knows there are staff and students to support them.”
An estimated one in three students across Canada will be victims of bullying at some point during their school years. It affects all ages and it can happen in many ways including physical, verbal, cyber and social. Tayler Horton has struggled with bullying. “I have faced bullying at a young age and Pink Shirt Day lets you know that there is always someone by your side that can help you through it.”
The theme for this year’s Pink Shirt Day was “make nice.” It shows that everyone can make a difference with their behaviour.
Cole Clarke
My name is Cole Clarke. I am currently 16 and attempting to make it through Huntsville High School. I am a huge sports fan, at certain times too much of one. When I’m not screaming at my TV cheering for my favourite teams you can find me at my second home, the arena. I play midget hockey and plan to represent my hometown playing for the Junior C Huntsville Hawks lacrosse team. I have always been a fan of writing. I plan to attend college to pursue a Sports Journalism career. I am quite excited to be writing my first articles for Huntsville Doppler.
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You live what you learn. Bullying starts at home. Wake Up parents! Great work Taylor and Seth…Bullies SUCK .
An important topic and a great article Cole! I can’t wait to see what is next!