On April 19, over 2,100 students throughout the state of Ohio gathered in downtown Columbus for the 7th annual We Are the Majority Rally -- nine of which were students from our very own New Richmond Middle School (NRMS) Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Group. With the aim of providing a foundation for schools and communities to promote a positive, safe environment for today’s youth and the youth of the future, students rallied to let their voices be heard and to celebrate a healthy, positive lifestyle.
As streets were shut down, students marched to the Statehouse to proudly proclaim, “We are the majority!” The majority of youth in Ohio, ages 12-17, are not participating in substance abuse, they are not participating in physical violence, but they are leading the way in promoting mental health wellness. Once students made it to the Statehouse, they gathered on and around the steps where they heard from several student leaders, motivational speakers, and the State Superintendent.
“I have never rallied for something I stand up for. I don't know how to describe the feeling I got standing there with thousands of other people yelling for a purpose,” stated NRMS SADD member, Kylee Cornett. “Overall, it was the best thing, standing there shouting, because we were in a matter of fact, ‘The Majority’.”
Cornett, alongside the other eight NRMS students in attendance, were asked by the the Clermont County Recovery Center (CCRC) to join in this rally because of their involvement with SADD. This partnership with CCRC extends beyond those involved with SADD and reaches into NRMS on a weekly basis. Every Friday, Erika Stockman, a Prevention Specialist from CCRC, delivers a Life Skills Training course to our NRMS 7th graders. This curriculum educates our students on drugs, alcohol, smoking, decision making, coping skills, anxiety, communication, and conflict resolution - essentially equipping students to make better choices in dealing with difficult decisions and behaviors.
“The importance to an event like this is to get everyone to see another view point to life and friendships,” stated NRMS student, Brooklynn Bartley. “It made me really understand what some of my classmates are going through and that not everything is as it seems.”
As the group looked back on their experience, it was more than evident that the rally truly empowered the students in owning their voice in their schools and hometowns. Not only were they empowered, but they were also affirmed that they are not alone in their positive decision making and their leading of a healthy lifestyle.
NRMS counselor, Ms. Gulley stated, “I am in hopes this will motivate them to be more involved with helping others that are dealing with substance use, physical violence, mental health issues and they are able to lead the way in promoting a positive and healthy lifestyle.”
“The rally got everyone thinking about what we can do to make a difference and what we can tell others so they can learn how to make a difference. I feel as if it should be an event that all middle school kids should get a chance to experience,” stated NRMS student, Lydia Blunk.
Whether it be through the sharing of this experience, empathizing with friends through genuine conversations, or continuing educational prevention programs, positive and healthy lifestyles are what we aim for not just as NRMS, but at all of the schools in our district. As Cornett said, “We are ‘The Majority’.”