By Derrick Forsythe,
Record Staff Writer
As part of its ongoing effort to eliminate bullying, the Warren County R-III School District welcomed a guest speaker to present on the topic last Wednesday in the high school commons.Sean Mulroney, founder of the anti-bullying advocacy group Teens of America, shared his story of struggle and how it ultimately lead him to become a voice for struggling teenagers across the nation.“I believe every young person is one caring adult away from being successful,” said Mulroney, who credits his own mentor for delivering him from a state of darkness.Mulroney acknowledged the courage of those attending in support of Destiny Gleason, a Black Hawk Middle School student who recently committed suicide.He urged community members to put aside their bitterness and seek to resolve the problem of bullying as a collaborative team.“Parents are the front line of defense,” said Mulroney. “We’ve got to model the behaviors we expect our kids to show.”Mulroney, who hosts a radio show called “Real Truth for America” every Monday night, spoke of his own battle with drugs and obesity. He discussed the startling reality of statistics related to bullying and teen depression, inviting up three guests to share their stories of inspiration.“You could see his passion in what he was talking about, and the group was very receptive to his message,” said Assistant Superintendent Aaron Jones. “It was a great starting point (in the effort against bullying).”The district is considering bringing Mulroney back to speak to the students once school returns to session in the fall. The administration says it’s continuing to look for ways to be more proactive in the effort to curb bullying and its impact on the district.“There’s a couple of other organizations we’ve talked to in trying to get some resources,” said Jones. “The idea of training our students to be peer mediators to help solve problems alongside the adults instead of waiting for the adults to solve them may be beneficial.”The district’s primary tool in preventing and eliminating bullying is its use of District-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (DWPBIS), as one of the few district’s to have implemented the program at all grade levels.Jones says the focus now is on bringing the community together in the effort against bullying. The district had partnered with parent Candy Roberts to coordinate the event and would like to increase that outreach effort through more parent involvement.Sean Mulroney, president of Teens of America, delivers a message about bullying during an assembly at Warrenton High School on Wednesday, June 1. Also pictured is Jessica Manion, who shared her story of perseverance and hope. Derrick Forsythe photo.
