Mrs. Danna Brownlow headed up a group of O'Donnell Junior High and High School students and teachers to participate in the International "Stand Up to Bullying Day" on February 15.

Bullying is not just on the playground anymore, we carry it (cell phones) and work on it a lot (computers).  The new type of bullying is CYBER-BULLYING.  Brownlow is hoping and praying that the message of anti-bullying travels as fast as text messaging. 

We ordered STAND UP Pledge shirts.  The shirts are pink and have the stop bullying pledge on them and the student is able to take the pledge and sign their name on it.  O’Donnell businesses donated money to provide every junior high student with a pledge shirt.  The high school students and teachers also had the opportunity to buy the pledge shirts.  “So not only is the school taking the pledge, the whole community is taking the pledge,” says Brownlow.

Brother Scott Hensley, a local pastor in O’Donnell has also signed on to be available for guidance and counseling off campus for the students who might be more comfortable talking to a spiritual leader.  All students need to know the types and effects of bullying.  They also need to know there will be someone there to talk to.  Seniors Portia Grant, and Rustin Furlow, and OHS student council President Caleb Schneider want their legacy to O’Donnell ISD to be the anti-bullying program.  The anti-bullying liaisons hope the community keeps standing up for bullying, not just on this day but everyday!

O’Donnell Mayor James Williams also proclaimed February 15 as O’Donnell’s “Stand Up to Bullying Day.”   

Local Businesses that contributed:

State National Bank

O’Donnell Oil and Butane

Wells Gin

Woolam Gin

Farmers Co-op

Organic Essentials

Dempsey Gin

Moore-Rains Insurance

As of now, there are more than 180 schools and workplaces representing 88,000+ students and staff registered to STAND UP against bullying.  “There are very few in Texas, so maybe this will help other schools to take the stand, says Senior Portia Grant.  For a detailed list of schools, go to www.standupday.com.