The ‘Stand for the Silent’ program visited Central Cambria
on Friday, September 12th. The program was presented by Mr.
Kirk Smalley of Oklahoma whose own son Ty Smalley of eleven years of age
took his own life due to bullying. ‘Stand for the Silent’ is a very
powerful program that focuses on all students standing up for those without a
voice at school. The program has been shared in over 900 schools and has
reached 937,000 kids worldwide. We felt honored that ‘Stand for the
Silent’ presented to our faculty and students; the overwhelming emotional
reactions and feedback from students and staff solidified that Mr. Smalley’s
message resonated with all in attendance.
The ‘Stand for the Silent’ presentation was planned by Dr. Kirsten Stiffler
as part of Central Cambria’s anti-bullying message. The hallmark of
anti-bullying efforts at Central Cambria is their ARCC Program. The ARCC
program was implemented approximately two years ago with the message of
encouraging an “Atmosphere of Respect and Courtesy and the
Courage to Stand Up for What is Right.” Central Cambria’s own ARCC
program mirrors the message driven home by Kirk that students should have
courage to stand up for those without a voice. Central Cambria students
displayed their empathy towards Mr. Smalley throughout the presentation by
displaying the ‘I Love You’ sign with their hands. Kirk told the students
that their hand symbol of ‘I love you’ meant that they had his back. He
too demonstrated that he had their back as he signed to them. Faculty and
staff then took part in pledging to stand up for the silent each signing to the
other ‘I love you.’
The importance of the message brought by Mr. Kirk Smalley is
unquestionable. Dr. Kirsten Stiffler stated, “Given the continued concern
for the effects of bullying on students, along with emphasizing our
no-tolerance bullying policy at Central Cambria, we feel that this is a very
critical topic to continue to address in our buildings. We also continue
to encourage any parent or students with bullying concerns to please report
your concerns to school staff.” The development of a “ Stand for the Silent”
chapter at CCHS is underway and students are working on displays and activities
to keep the message going all year long.
Central Cambria students participating in the “Stand for the
Silent” program had many positive comments. Jada McNeal stated “I believe
Mr. Smalley’s story struck a chord the entire school needed to hear. His
words instilled compassion in the hearts of every student and teacher and it
seemed like for the first time, the consequences of our words and actions were
extremely real.” Davey Beyer remarked on the lasting impression on our
school and that “this program has already made such an impact with everyone
making the hand symbol to each other and it’s just
fantastic!” Another student who assisted with the presentation was
Abby Brang, who emphasized that “There was not a dry eye in the place. To
be part of his presentation was such an honor. And thanks to Stand for the
Silent, we will be starting our own chapter.” We hope that ALL students
remember the message and pass on acts of kindness and support each and every
day.
