Joining the characters were two Cincinnati Bengals “super fan” ambassadors from the local NFL team joining forces to better help teens learn how to cope with abusive behavior among their peers.
Fairfield school officials said the four presenters were brought together by the Bully the Bull Foundation via a program called Bully Global 32.
Bully Global 32 is a partnership between the Bully the Bull non-profit foundation and 32 NFL Super Fan ambassadors. During the season, Bully the Bull will visit schools selected by the ambassadors to speak about bullying prevention.
Melissa Jacoby is a Bully Global 32 ambassador and 1995 Fairfield High School graduate. She coordinated the visit to Creekside and said the program and described her role in the program as an “awesome opportunity to give back” to her old school district.
“I’m a nurse and love to help others learn and grow,” Jacoby said. “Creating a positive impact is my life mission.”
According to school officials, the presenters interacted with more than 1,000 students in grades 6-8 at Creekside, as well as during an hour-long program that taught students to make their school a “No Bully Zone.”
Gina Gentry-Fletcher, spokeswoman for Fairfield Schools, said Jacoby’s personal connection with the school system helped.
“We continue to seek ways to educate our students about the importance of showing kindness and positivity toward one another. It is among the tenets of our Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) programs across the district,” said Gentry-Fletcher.
“The Bully the Bull program visit was a first for Fairfield. Because Melissa Jacoby is one of our graduates, the students found her visit to have a more meaningful impact.”
Maurice Ballentine, founder and president of Bully the Bull Foundation, said “our goal is to eradicate bullying worldwide through ‘No Bully Zones.’”
Creekside Principal Kari Franchini challenged students to do their part by showing kindness toward their peers and others.
“I want this to be a place where everyone is safe both physically and emotionally,” Franchini told her students.
“Help us take control of it. Tell your teachers. Lift people up. That is my challenge to you. Make this a safe space for everyone and tell someone that something is going on that doesn’t meet our expectations,” said Franchini.
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