Students Share Bullying Experiences at the Walk for Respect

Students, parents and others took a stand against bullying and prejudice Sunday at the annual Walk for Respect.

At the Nahant Rotary, high school and middle school students shared personal accounts and feelings on bullying.

 “Bullying is always an issue and we need a better support system," Aristana Scourtas of Swampscott said over the event sound system. "As a community we should speak out together so every voice can come together as one.”

The 16-years-old Swampscott sophomore spoke on behalf of her brother who has been bullied in the past.

Myriam Zuber, the program director of No Place for Hate of the Anti-Defamation League of New England, helped organize the event.

 “We’re trying to promote the message of fighting hate, building hope, and speaking out,” said Zuber.

Rotary drivers honked their horns and waved to the crowd, showing support for the event.

Another speaker, 12- year- old Cenna Khatib of Swampscott Middle School, read a poem she wrote about her experiences being bullied and how it has affected her.

 “At lunch, someone was whispering and looking at me and saying bad things and I didn’t like it,” Khatib said.

Derrek Shulman, the ADL’s New England director, said the walk celebrates differences. "We want to make people more respectful wherever they are because people are our greatest resources," he said.

About 40 people attended the event, first listening to the speakers then walking 2.2 miles to Clarke Elementary School.

 The fourth annual Walk for Respect was organized by the Swampscott Task Force on Respect for Human Differences.