No Bully for Them: Pottstown Students Highlight 'Week Without Violence'

From left, Alexandria Olvera from Rupert Elementary, Jasmine Forbes, from Pottstown High School, Aleesa Harvey, from Ringing Rocks Elementary School, Savanna Kerner from Pottstown High School, 
Megan Weller, from Rupert Elementary. 

BLOGGER'S NOTE: Well, FOB (Friend of the Bog) John Armato has done it again, submitted the kind of thing we love to highlight here at the Digital Notebook which which, all too often, we do not have room for in the newspaper. Might have to start paying him part of the salary I make for writing this blog.)

Here's what he wrote:

Recently Pottstown students participated in the annual YWCA Tri-County Area “Week Without Violence” activities.  The campaign is an international initiative organized by YWCAs in more than 30 countries world-wide.  During the week, the YWCA partnered with area school districts to engage students in meaningful violence prevention efforts in their schools and communities.  

This year’s theme for the poster and essay contest was “Take A Stand, Lend A Hand, Stop The Bullying.”  The contest was open to students from all area school districts. 

Rupert Elementary student Alexandria Olvera was selected as the first place winner of the elementary poster contest.  Placing second was Rupert Elementary student Megan Weller.  Pottstown High School students made a clean sweep of the essay contest by capturing first through third place.  Placing first was Savanna Kerner, second place went to Samantha Retner, and third place honors were earned by Jasmine Forbes.

The winners presented their projects at the YWCA Tri-County Area Board of Directors meeting and received a certificate of achievement and gift certificates.  Parents, family, and school personnel were in attendance for the award ceremony.

The YWCA Tri-County Area has been involved with the National Week Without Violence Campaign since its beginning.  

The Racial Justice Committee has conducted the poster and essay contest in schools since 2005.  The support and involvement of schools, community, organizations, politicians, law enforcement agencies, faith groups, and individuals are at the heart of this effort.