Students from Chester, Deep River, Essex and Westbrook joined hundreds of other Middlesex County schools, businesses and civic leaders at the Rally for Bully-Free Communities at Empower Leadership Sports in Middletown on October 21, in recognition of Unity Day and National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Organized by the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC) and its Council of Business Partners, the rally program included team building activities, guest speakers and the presentation of the inaugural Bully-Free Communities Spotlight Award. Awards, with a grant of $500 each, were presented to Chester Elementary School and Woodrow Wilson Middle School located in Middletown. Campaign spokesperson and former UCONN/NBA basketball star Donny Marshall was also recognized for his individual contribution and dedication to the cause.

“Our second annual rally exceeded our expectations in every way,” said Cynthia Clegg, CFMC President and CEO. “The momentum continues to build, with so many doing so much to have a positive impact on our schools and communities. The Bully-Free Communities Spotlight Award is an important way to recognize that good work and those schools that encourage students, faculty and staff to stand together for change and stand up to mean-spirited behavior.”

Schools with programs that have been implemented for kindergarten through grade 12 students in the towns of Chester, Clinton, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Middlefield, Middletown, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook were encouraged to apply for the award. Chester Elementary School was selected for their ongoing, proactive and comprehensive social development program which includes lessons, monthly themes, and supportive literature that teaches students how to be respectful, responsible, safe and prepared. Students also have the benefit of adult mentors and a Peer Advisors program that partners sixth grade role models to work and play with younger students needing assistance with social skills. Chester Elementary School Counselor Diana Amara accepted the award on the school's behalf.

The Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Middlesex County. Its two-fold mission is to work with charitably-minded individuals and organizations to build permanent endowments and other charitable giving funds; and to support local nonprofit organizations through effective grant making and multiple programs to address community needs. Since its founding in 1997, the Community Foundation has invested more than $4 million through 1,295 grants in support of the arts, cultural and heritage programs, educational activities, environmental improvements, and for health and human services..

The CFMC Council of Business Partners includes: John Sullivan of A&A Office Systems; Laura Pedersen of A.R. Mazzotta Employment Specialists; William, Susan and Shawn McCann of BEST Cleaners; Mauricio Salgar of the Black Seal Restaurant; Colin Burr of Brown & Brown of CT, Inc.; David Director of Connecticut Lighting Centers, Inc.; David Gilbert of Direct Energy; William McMinn of Essex Printing/Events Magazines; St. Mary's Church in Portland and Congregation Adath Israel in Middletown of the Interfaith Golf Open Tournament; Daniel Zimmerman of LiveKind; James Mahoney of Mahoney Sabol & Co., LLP; Marc Levin of Malloves Jewelers; Karen Beebe of M & J Bus Company; Cindy Bailey of Paulson Training Programs, Inc.; Attorney Nancy Raczka; Theodore Rossi of The Rossi Group; David Shulman of Suburban Stationers, Inc.; and Elizabeth Shulman, LMFT.

For more information on the Campaign for Bully-Free Communities, call 860-347-0025 or go to bullyfree.middlesexcountycf.org.