McCombs 7th Graders Create The Justice Project

McCombs held a “blue out” on October 6 in solidarity with Stand Up Against Bullying Day.

Monday, October 6 was Stand Up Against Bullying Day, a day to raise awareness about a problem faced by too many students. At McCombs Middle Schools, students and staff wore blue as a sign of solidarity with the work to eliminate bullying.

But, McCombs’ students are going a step further. Three members of the Golden Eagles, the student leadership group at McCombs, have formed The Justice Project, an effort to raise awareness about bullying throughout the year, and not only stop it at McCombs but help the school become #1 in Des Moines by making it a bully-free zone.

The following report was provided by Zoey Hannan, one of the TJP founders, and 7th grade teacher Sarah May.

“Bullying is a horrible thing. It sticks with you forever. It poisons you. But only if you let it.” 
– Heather Brewer, Dear Bully: Seventy Authors Tell Their Stories

Zoey, Ciera, and Asia are founders of The Justice Project at McCombs Middle School.

People get bullied all over the world. It’s one of the biggest problems in a person’s childhood. McCombs Middle School Seventh Grade students – Zoey, Ciera, and Asia – have created a group to address this problem at our school. All three students are recognized leaders in the school and part of the leadership group the Golden Eagles. Through this group, they have created The Justice Project. The purpose of The Justice Project is to raise awareness about bullying and to stop it at McCombs Middle School. All three girls hope to help the school become #1 in Des Moines by making it a bully-free zone.

Already this year The Justice Project has organized a school-wide Stand Up Against Bullying Day. Last Monday, October 6, students wore blue to show their support in ending bullying. Zoey, Ciera, and Asia made blue ribbons for students who forgot to wear blue to wear. They plan to hold a bake sale on November 7 with much more to come!

The Justice Project would like to remind all students that they are not alone.  “You’re a survivor because every day you make a choice not to be governed by their harsh words or actions. No one has the right to take away your happiness.” (Assunta Harris, A Sheep Amongst Wolves)

If you support The Justice Project, please post a picture of yourself wearing blue and use the hashtag #MMSjusticeproject.