Schools

Dobbs Ferry HS Student an Anti-Bullying Ambassador

Elena Brown has been chosen to represent the STOMP Out Bullying campaign in a national discussion this week.

Dobbs Ferry High School student Elena Brown wants her peers to know bullying is no joke.

The sophomore has been tapped as a "teen ambassador" for the national STOMP Out Bullying organization and will serve on a panel in Washington D.C. this week as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference, according to a statement from the school district.


“Bullying is not just getting picked on physically, although it can be. I have learned that bullying can be subtle—such as isolating someone or making them feel left out," Brown said. "But the impact it has is not subtle—it can be devastating."

Along with Brown, Washington D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson and Robert Jackson—author of No More Excuses: Put a Stop to Bullying will also take part in a "Speak Up, Stand Up: United Against Bullying" discussion. Brown will represent STOMP Out Bullying in the discussion.

These events are leading up to the United States' National Bullying Prevention Month, which is October.

At DFHS, Brown has taken charge of Blue Shirt Day, which gives students a chance to make a united front against bullying. She has also appeared in public service announcements to combat bullying.

According to STOMP Out Bullying Founder and Chief Executive Ross Ellis, one in every four kids have experienced bullying.

"As students prepare to return to school, the one thing many are not looking forward to is being bullied. That is the reality for many victims at school, on playgrounds and online. In fact, some 13 million kids will be bullied this year in the United States," said Ellis.

Dobbs Ferry's Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) recognized Brown's anti-bullying efforts last year with a community service award.

The district has also dedicated time to view the 2011 film Bully at the beginning of the school year and discussed Dobbs Ferry's Dignity for All Students Act (DASA).

“I want to help others understand that bullying comes in all forms, but always at a high price," said Brown.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here