Kay Higgs, Station Camp High School STARS Specialist, and Station Camp High School Senior Arianna appeared on WSMV’s More at Midday to promote the Prom Dress Drive and Prom Promise. Take a look.

Higgs said, “we are working to help students have a pleasant and memorable prom night by encouraging them to be safe while helping the girls with expensive prom wear. Money is tight right now for a lot of people causing additional stress for families of high school students. Prom is an important tradition for a lot of teens and it is so rewarding for us and the girls if we can help make the experience possible. In addition to helping the girls find a cute dress, STARS specialists are working to educate and promote awareness of ways in which to have safe prom experience.”

Here are some of the important tips from STARS to help have a safe prom night:

•    Discuss plans with your friends and date before prom night.

•    Know when your curfew is for prom night and let your date and

            friends know what time you need to be home. 

•    Charge your cell phone and keep it with you in case of an emergency. 

•    If someone offers you any drugs or alcohol be prepared to tell them no. Try and say

      things like “No thanks” or “Seriously? I want to remember this night.” 

•    Have someone you can call in case if your driver is intoxicated. 

•    Wear your seat belt. 

•    Be sure to get directions and know where you are going ahead of time. 

•    Fill up the gas tank in your car. 

•    Be aware. More drunk drivers are out on the road during the weekend. Keep an eye

      on oncoming drivers; impaired drivers tend to drive toward lights. 

The Sumner Prom Drive is accepting donations of jewelry, purses and good condition shoes.  Higgs said on March 1 from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., Sumner County high school girls can visit Beech High School to get their cost-free prom wear. 

Dresses can either be dropped off at these participating schools or they can be picked up by contacting the STARS specialists listed: Beech High School, Alicia Georgiou,alic...@sumnerschools.org,
615.264.5807;

Gallatin High School, Richan Groves, rgro...@starsnashville.org, 615.452-2621;

Hendersonville High School, Debbie Sheets, debb...@sumnerschools.org, 615.824.4028; Portland High School, Elana Newton, enew...@starsnashville.org, 615.325.9201 ext. 118; Station Camp High School, Kay Higgs, kay....@sumnerschools.org,
615.451.6553 ext. 13; White House High School, Elana Newton, enewton@starsnashville.org,
615.672.3761.

A nationally recognized resource for student assistance, training and professional consultation, STARS assists students, families and schools with prevention, intervention and treatment services addressing bullying, substance abuse, violence, and social and emotional barriers to success. Founded in 1984, STARS staff operate in schools and community sites throughout Middle Tennessee via STARS Specialists, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Youth Overcoming Drug Abuse (YODA) as a licensed alcohol and drug out-patience treatment facility as well as their Kids On The Block puppetry program helping educate kindergarten through sixth grade students about health and social concerns that affect their lives while promoting an understanding and acceptance of all children and adults regardless of their differences. 

Kay Higgs, Station Camp High School STARS Specialist, is one of five STARS specialists helping organize the prom dress drive in hopes of relieving some of the economic stress for the girls while at the same time encouraging students to sign a prom promise pledge card to abstain from alcohol or drug use.

“We are working to help students have a pleasant and memorable prom night by encouraging them to be safe while helping the girls with expensive prom wear. Money is tight right now for a lot of people causing additional stress for families of high school students. Prom is an important tradition for a lot of teens and it is so rewarding for us and the girls if we can help make the experience possible,” Higgs said.  “In addition to helping the girls find a cute dress, STARS specialists are working to educate and promote awareness of ways in which to have safe prom experience.”

Here are some of the important tips from STARS to help have a safe prom night:

•    Discuss plans with your friends and date before prom night.

•    Know when your curfew is for prom night and let your date and

            friends know what time you need to be home. 

•    Charge your cell phone and keep it with you in case of an emergency. 

•    If someone offers you any drugs or alcohol be prepared to tell them no. Try and say

      things like “No thanks” or “Seriously? I want to remember this night.” 

•    Have someone you can call in case if your driver is intoxicated. 

•    Wear your seat belt. 

•    Be sure to get directions and know where you are going ahead of time. 

•    Fill up the gas tank in your car. 

•    Be aware. More drunk drivers are out on the road during the weekend. Keep an eye  on oncoming drivers; impaired drivers tend to drive toward lights. 

The Sumner Prom Drive is accepting donations of jewelry, purses and good condition shoes.  Higgs said on March 1 from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., Sumner County high school girls can visit Beech High School to get their cost-free prom wear. 

“We care about our students and want to support this fun part of the high school journey.  We are working with kids who have some tough barriers to learning and this is such a positive experience getting to support these girls with something meaningful to them,” Higgs said.   

Dresses can either be dropped off at these participating schools or they can be picked up by contacting the STARS specialists listed: Beech High School, Alicia Georgiou, alic...@sumnerschools.org,
615.264.5807;

Gallatin High School, Richan Groves, rgro...@starsnashville.org, 615.452-2621;

Hendersonville High School, Debbie Sheets, debb...@sumnerschools.org, 615.824.4028; Portland High School,

Elana Newton, enew...@starsnashville.org, 615.325.9201 ext. 118;

Station Camp High School, Kay Higgs, kay....@sumnerschools.org,
615.451.6553 ext. 13;

White House High School, Elana Newton, enewton@starsnashville.org,
615.672.3761.

 A natonally recognized resource for student assistance, training and professional consultation, STARS assists students, families and schools with prevention, intervention and treatment services addressing bullying, substance abuse, violence, and social and emotional barriers to success. Founded in 1984, STARS staff operate in schools and community sites throughout Middle Tennessee via STARS Specialists, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Youth Overcoming Drug Abuse (YODA) as a licensed alcohol and drug out-patience treatment facility as well as their Kids On The Block puppetry program helping educate kindergarten through sixth grade students about health and social concerns that affect their lives while promoting an understanding and acceptance of all children and adults regardless of their differences.

During national No Name Calling Week, it’s gratifying to learn that STARS PSA Campaign launched during last year’s No Name Calling Week has been honored with a Emmy nomination from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Nashville/Midsouth Chapter. Partnering with the Nashville Film Institute (www.thenfi.com) and WTVF’s Lelan Statom, the campaign was honored for “excellence in announcements that effectively focus interest in and marshal support for worthy community or area causes.”

Several area students and Statom appear on the PSA talking about the horrors of bullying and how to get help.

We are so grateful to our brave STARS’s students Eric and Priyanka for taking a stand in this PSA and to the students of NFI,  former NFI director Alberto Roldan, Nancy McNulty, McNulty Communications, STARS Director of Development Erin Daunic, Middle College teacher Jason Glassman and to the incomparable Lelan Statom for helping making this important message possible. And, our huge thanks to Lelan for submitting it for Emmy consideration.

In the end, it is gratifying that the importance of the PSA is being validated by the Emmy nomination. However, we are most concerned about the rise in teen suicides of late and the thought that there are hurting, bullied teens in need. So, post the PSA to your FB page. Pass it along to anyone you think needs this help and support. It does take a community to make a difference and one person standing could save a life.

 There is help. There is hope. There is a solution. Call STARS today at 615-279-0058. 

There are many warning signs that could indicate that someone is involved in bullying, either by bullying others or by being bullied. However, these warning signs may indicate other issues or problems, as well. If you are a parent or educator, learn more about talking to someone about bullying.

Being Bullied
•Comes home with damaged or missing clothing or other belongings
•Reports losing items such as books, electronics, clothing, or jewelry
•Has unexplained injuries
•Complains frequently of headaches, stomachaches, or feeling sick
•Has trouble sleeping or has frequent bad dreams
•Has changes in eating habits
•Hurts themselves
•Are very hungry after school from not eating their lunch
•Runs away from home
•Loses interest in visiting or talking with friends
•Is afraid of going to school or other activities with peers
•Loses interest in school work or begins to do poorly in school
•Appears sad, moody, angry, anxious or depressed when they come home
•Talks about suicide
•Feels helpless
•Often feels like they are not good enough
•Blames themselves for their problems
•Suddenly has fewer friends
•Avoids certain places
•Acts differently than usual

Join us as we work in the solution to prevent bullying!! You can also learn more from the STOP BULLYING NOW website: http://www.stopbullying.gov/topics/warning_signs/index.html

            “There is no online or offline world any more,” Dinwiddie quotes a student at an international bullying prevention conference. “It’s all one world.”

            Take a look at the ways in which STARS helps teachers and students who are struggling with this very difficult challenge.

The column referred to by Dinwiddie and written by a STARS student can be found in this blog section. Visit our Facebook page at STARS (Students Taking A Right Stand) Nashville to see the Tennessean editorial and the two other related columns.

            “Research indicates most kids detest bullying and don’t want anything to do with it,” Dinwiddie says. “STARS has Move2Stand to help students be more than a bystander and to stand up to bullying.” For more information on bullying prevention, check out STARS bullying prevention videos at www.youtube.com/starsnashville or contact us today at 615-279-0058.

                If asked if you think bullying is a big issue in schools across the nation, people would say “no” because typically, bullying isn’t seen as depicted in movies and books. People think of bullying as physical, but there is more to it. With today’s technological advances, bullying also occurs online throughout social media. It is sometimes easy to forget that bullying is also verbal and expressive. 

                Bullying today has become a big issue. Throughout schools, there are many students being bullied without reason. People are glared at, cussed at, threatened, etc.  While bullying certainly occurs inside the school, it is often worse outside the school. The fact that so many people use social media, allows them to spread the bullying online and through text.

                There are groups that try to prevent bullying and are there to support people when they need help. These programs can be found throughout schools across the nation and even in the Nashville area. One of these programs is called “STARS” (Students Taking A Right Stand).  It was established in schools throughout the mid-state to work with students in all grade levels. They increase the awareness of drugs, abuse, grief, violence, and bullying.  STARS is there to listen and provide support to students, parents, and teachers on a variety of topics.

                 STARS host a JMR conference in Nashville every year where schools from around the mid-state meet and teach students about bullying and the prevention of this terrible act. Attendees’ role play and experience a replication of bullying first-hand.  As an attendee, my favorite activity is “cross the line” where there is a line of tape across the floor and we all stand on one side. They call out reasons why you are bullied and if it applies to you, you step across the line. This is the most powerful activity because when it is just you, you think you are the only one, but seeing so many other people “cross the line” puts it into a different perspective. 

                I’ve been in STARS since middle school and have dealt with some things that I wouldn’t have been able to overcome without them. The fact that someone is there to listen and give advice means a lot to someone who is going through so much. I’ve gone in to talk to a STARS counselor and left with great advice. People probably think, “Why would I talk to someone about these things because they couldn’t understand how I feel?”  Many of the STARS counselors have experienced challenges in their personal lives. So, when they say they understand, they really do!  It seems tough at first, but you feel better when you’re done. They don’t judge you for what you are dealing with because they truly understand, which is good for people our age as judgment is such a huge issue.

                From my own experience and from others I have heard from, STARS is an awesome program   provided for students. People don’t realize how many people actually use the program and the positive affect it has on students. I don’t know what many students would do without STARS.

Submitted by a Middle Tennessee Student

            Growing up in a small, rural southern town, I know what it is like to be judged when you walk into a restaurant, to be stared at and to wonder if your food will come out undisturbed.  I grew up being taught that the white man was against you and you had to pull yourself up on your own. I had to work very hard to overcome this anger.

            Things have thankfully changed so much. Now, 47 years later, I can walk into a restaurant and eat.  I can have a family of my choice with my wife and three beautiful girls and can eat without someone spitting at us or looking at us weird. Every MLK holiday, I thank him and God for putting him here to break down the barriers of hate.

            I feel very fortunate today to work in a color-blind work environment. It is so empowering to me in my work with STARS. From the leadership of our board to the executive director, I feel very comfortable in making this statement.  I understand how much this empowerment influences my ability and STARS specialists who work with young people and share this hope.

            However, we have to recognize that our youth of all races and color are being discouraged and impacted by the negative and violent messages from video games, music, movies and even the daily news where the saying “if it bleeds, it leads” is the norm.

            As an adult, there isn’t a day that goes by when I’m not inspired by the dream that Dr. King shared over 40 years ago.  Hey, I’m living it. But there are so many who haven’t heard the message of non-violence which the high black–on- black violence rate proves. I’m certain Dr. King never said form a gang or grab an uzi gun.

            Hate is such a strong word.  It destroys a person’s sense of value when you start hating someone.  If we use Dr. King’s message, black on black crime ends.

At STARS, we teach young people there are other ways. We equip our youth with ways to diffuse an angry situation, to think about it before acting and to walk away from confrontation with dignity and patience. When they turned the dogs loose and turned on the hoses decades ago, a wise and strong person resisted violence.  Fighting with your mind is such a powerful thing.  We try to equip our STARS kids with the ability to use their brain and walk away like Dr. King.

            In the end, he said it best “our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

- Reposted from January 2010.

 http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120103/LIFE01/301030042/After-learning-from-daughter-s-drug-addiction-mom-teaches-others-cope?odyssey=nav|head

Elkhart Central and Elkhart Memorial High School have been intense rivals for decades. When the time comes for a football or basketball meeting, the week before the game is tension-filled and loud. Move 2 Stand came this year the Monday before the Central/Memorial sectionals football game, when the tension was no less than promised. Although these people are unfamiliar with the territory and its tradition, they stepped in and took on the challenge of having 100 students from both schools in one small, elementary gymnasium. When walking into the building nobody knows exactly what to expect, but most predict a boring, six-hour set of lectures. Not the case.

Throughout the day we are constantly involved with activities that stimulate our emotions and raise deeply repressed feelings. At the beginning of the seminar, we are asked to step out of our comfort zone to stretch and better ourselves. Sitting in a subconscious disbelief makes this possibility seem almost unreachable, but at the end of the day, I can promise that anybody who went through this day would be stretched.

I don’t want to ruin the surprises of the activities, but for the first time in history (as far as we know), Move 2 Stand brought together two of the most hard-headed, hate-blazing schools in our area, as one big family. I was given the opportunity to speak in front of the student body before they started because it was the second time I had been to this seminar and it had really affected me the first time. In my small speech I said something along the lines of, “Right now, everybody has a similar mindset.’I can’t make a difference. I’m only one person.’ Look around you. There are two hundred people here; two hundred people can make a difference.” My hypothesis surpassed what I thought.

By the end, you didn’t care if someone was from Central or Memorial; if they were in your presence, they were family. Since the seminar, our Move 2 Stand club at Central has greatly expanded. Central’s halls are much less violent both physically and emotionally. Bullying is unanimously outcasted, and hate no longer lingers in the air.

Move 2 Stand is a movement. It’s cliché to recommend a program and say that it changed your life, but it is an understatement in this situation. I strongly recommend this program and say with confidence that it will change your school in a crucial step for self-betterment and community improvement.

Kids on the Block,

Thank you so much for coming to SCE (Station Camp Elementary School)  last Friday. The students LOVED the programs and were asking when you would be back  Parents and teachers also had wonderful things to say as well. (No complaints either!) Having seen other Kids on the Block programs in other places, I was very impressed with the level of professionalism, organization, and expertise. Your staff is truly amazing and we are honored to be able to have you come speak to our students. Thank you again!