School group presented with award

The Bluefield High School RAP (Respect. Accept. Protect.) team accepted the Verbal Abuse Violence Prevention Achievement Award to recognize its work in promoting civility and respectful communication.

The presentation was at the school on Oct. 15 following Verbal Abuse Prevention Week (Oct. 511). Tami Martell, founder of Walk for Talk and P.E.I. Verbal Abuse Prevention Week, attended the presentation, noting that, “when we talk about verbal abuse and its effects, we raise awareness and educate people on the devastating effects of verbal abuse. We allow the healing to begin.”

Raising awareness has long been the principle mandate of the Bluefield RAP Team. It formed in 2007 when the Canadian Red Cross approached the school about starting an anti-bullying group. For seven years, students have been travelling to elementary and intermediate schools on P.E.I. to share an important message: Don’t Hurt to Heal.

Last year, students and advisers spent time revamping and reenergizing their multimedia presentation, which now involves live music, drama, art and audiovisual components.

They also participated in leadership training and worked with fellow students during two Challenge Days. They came up with a new name: Reach Out. Members felt it was time to refocus and to share a fresh message with P.E.I. students.

Entitled What’s Your Story?, the key message is simple: “Every person has a story to tell. Every person’s story is different. Every person’s story is important. Take the time to ask people about their stories and listen without judgment. Know each other better; treat each other better.”

The students of Reach Out will take their message to intermediate schools across P.E.I.. For booking information, contact Bluefield High School.