Hundreds of student leaders, activists and local elected officials marched through North Hempstead Beach Park on Saturday for the third annual Bullying Awareness Walk.
Students from the East Williston, Roslyn, Carle Place, Westbury, Manhasset and Herricks school districts participated in the walk, which was started two years ago by a group of Herricks students who formed the anti-bullying group “Young Optimistic Upstanders.”
“By being here today, many of you are taking the first step to either heal from the effects of being bullied or are here to impart wisdom on those who have been bullied,” said North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, who declared the town a “bully-free zone.” “It’s important for us to have an outlet to share our feelings with others who have dealt with similar circumstances and that’s what today’s event does.”
The event featured musical performances, speeches and discussion groups.
A keynote address was given by Adrianna Sgarlata Hill, a former Miss Virginia who has advocated across the country for an end to bullying.
The students also signed banners provided by the town pledging to end bullying in their communities.
