Wantagh court creates a chain reaction

Wantagh High School students and faculty were decked out in orange clothing on Oct. 19. They weren’t wearing the autumnal color to celebrate Halloween early, however; rather, teens and adults were showing their commitment to stopping bullying. 

Unity Day was commemorated nationwide. The movement, sponsored by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, aims to heighten awareness and break down barriers to promote more positive, pro-social climates. 

The so-called orange initiative promotes the inclusion of others, kindness and acceptance among peers and students and has incorporated schools from all over the country. Miss Wantagh Emma Carey, along with the rest of the court, adopted the project and made it a priority to spread anti-bullying awareness in the school.

“I think this will bring everyone together, and link everyone together like a chain,” Carey said. “Hopefully this will start a chain reaction.”

The court helped to support the campaign by having students, teachers and faculty sign a pledge to help end bullying. They also gave out free orange stickers, bracelets and candy to all who participated.

In addition to the awareness program, the court helped create a paper chain link to hang in the hallway. The chain represents all of the people who have pledged to end bullying.

“It shows everyone working together for one cause,” Second Runner-Up Grace Anne McKenna said. “There is no place for hate here at Wantagh High School.”