By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – An anti-bullying campaign kicked off at Columbiana Middle School on April 14 with activities during students’ lunch periods.

As nearly 430 sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders walked down the hall toward the cafeteria between 10:30 a.m. to noon, they passed numerous anti-bullying posters and a line of Shelby County High School students promoting the same message aloud.

CMS Student Resource Officer Sasha Lilly and Assistant Principal Andrea Childress coordinated the campaign to raise awareness of bullying and to help students and their parents differentiate bullying from isolated incidents.

“We have been having a lot of issues with bullying,” Lilly said. “This is a serious matter, and it’s taking lives.”

Lilly and CMS students made all of the posters hanging on the walls. On April 14, students and faculty were encouraged to wear black clothing to tie in with the theme of the campaign, “Black Out Bullying.”

“I see a lot of participation, even with the faculty,” Lilly said. “They know it’s serious. We know we’re not going to stop someone from saying something mean to somebody, but it’s a step.”

Lilly enlisted the help of SCHS students to talk to CMS students and pass out anti-bullying materials and candy during the kickoff.

The high school students represented various groups and organizations at SCHS, including Beta Club, cheerleaders, Peer Helpers, band members and athletes.

“Coming back and to be able to help the kids younger than us, it actually feels pretty good,” SCHS senior Quinterius Montgomery said. “I feel like I’ve accomplished something in my life. Being a part of it now, it just makes you feel mature in so many places.”

Montgomery said the program should be held at other local schools.

“You might have kids at other schools that feel the same way,” he said.

CMS students had the opportunity to sign an anti-bullying petition taped to the wall in the cafeteria.

A disc jockey from 103.7 The Q played music and gave prizes to the students.

“This is a surprise for kids,” Lilly said. “This is a treat for them as well as getting knowledge on bullying.”

Seventh-grader Carrie Nesbitt said the kickoff was “pretty cool” and emphasized that bullying is not a joke.

“I think it’s a good way to talk about bullying,” Nesbitt said.

Seventh-grader Maddy Lee agreed, adding, “It’s a good way to spread the news about bullying.”

Lilly said she plans to make the campaign an annual program at CMS.

“We’re excited about it, and we just hope it’s a success,” Lilly said.

Childress said the program is helpful because it reaches students at a young age.

“At the middle school level, they’re going through so many developmental changes,” Childress said. “I think this age is most appropriate. I’m excited about it.”