4 months ago
Motivational speakers encouraged eighth graders at Ballard- Hudson Middle School to make smart choices and take a pledge against gun violence on Wednesday afternoon.
"I wanted to remind them of their need, almost a dire request to stay away from gun violence, drugs, and gang activity," said Verda M. Colvin, Assistant U.S. Attorney.
Eighth grader Teshana Robinson says she will sign the pledge that asks students to never bring a gun to school or use a gun to settle a problem. The pledge asks students to influence friends to do the same and to stay gang-free.
"You can basically be anything you want and don't let anybody peer pressure you into anything you don't want," said Robinson.
"All the other schools, they will be addressing all their student body of sixth, seventh and eighth grade students," said Sergeant Charles Hubbard, Student Crimestoppers Executive Director.
Hubbard says this year other middle schools will present the message to all grades to reach a younger audience. He says they hope more students will call in criminal activity.
"As the program progressed we were getting calls more about bullying," said Hubbard.
He says that's the key reason Student Crimestoppers received 34 calls from Bibb County students during the 2007-2008 school year. Last school year, that dropped to 17 and so far this year, they've received nine.
"So they're making those phone calls to address every little problem we see and we're going to call," said Hubbard.
When students choose to sign the pledge, it's a decision Robinson says should be taken seriously.
"It's because you're making a pledge and you're going to stand by it, it's not just because you have to say it, it's because you want to say it."
As part of Red Ribbon week at Ballard-Hudson, the students will sign the pledge next week.
Ballard-Hudson Assistant Principal Kenneth Lanier says they have a Junior Deputy program each month for sixth graders that addresses bullying and guns.
Lanier says next year, they may involve all grades in the Crimestoppers program.
Hubbard says in the coming weeks, the program will travel to other middle schools in Bibb, Houston and Crawford county.
He says all calls to Crimestoppers remain anonymous and callers could receive an award up to $500 dollars.
To reach Crimestoppers call 1-877-68-CRIME.
