Runner-Up and Honorable Mention Stories, Essays, Poems and Artwork

Jan 19, 2005

Click on a name below to take you to the students' work.

RUNNER-UP PRIZE WINNERS

Rachel Lemashov
Sophie Wang
Keith Woods, Jackie Woods and Julia Santee

HONORABLE MENTION PRIZE WINNERS

Kaitlyn Andren - James Brown and Andrew Hewitt - Daisy Cheong - Jonah Coe-Scharff - Lauren Cohen - Stephen Colantonio - Tori Erikson - Corey L. Fawcett - Jamie Fisher - JaNaie Fort - Julianna Frenette - Zachery Gelpey - Earl Graves - Lovedeep Kaar - Keri Suzanne Kaus - Kevin Lu - Ekta Patel - Kody Steele - DJ Tialavea - Kathy Tse

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Stop The Hate
Rachel Lemashov, 7th Grade/12 Years Old
Bucks County Country Day School
Levittown, PA

Walking home from school, a bully comes up from behind and knocks you to the ground. “Hey, four-eyes! He cries, snatching away your glasses. “Hey! Where are your brothers? The other two blind mice, huh? Three blind mice! Three blind mice!”

Bullying, for as long as we can remember, has always been part of childhood. From the stereotyped bullies we see in cartoons threatening to beat up a kid for lunch money, to the bullies that children face everyday that use name calling as a weapon. But no one pauses to think how great of an impact bullying can have on a child. Many kids get bullied every day, sometimes for no apparent reason. Other times for their appearance, i.e. skin color, glasses, or perhaps obesity. Other times it could be over their religion, or their cultural differences. Sometimes it can even be because the bully is insecure, or they are having trouble getting over something in life, and the best way to do it, in their opinion, is to tease someone else.

From personal experience, I can say that bullying was truly a terrible experience. When I first came into grade school, I was shy and insecure, coming a year early from Kindergarten and Pre-K. I had only spoken Russian at home, and learned simple English in Kindergarten. Coming into first grade, I was the only one who had not started in the school from Kindergarten, and came into a class that was already situated in its “social groups.”

The school was Quaker-based, and I was only one out of a maximum of five Jewish children in a school of 360. Almost immediately, the kids took a hesitance to me, ridiculing me for my glasses, my heavy accent, and even the Jewish and Russian food I brought to lunch. At the time, it didn’t seem much to them, but the names such as “for eyes”, “lemon,” (from my last name) and “dumb butt.” I preferred not to socialize with others, for fear of being ridiculed more than the snide comments in the lunchroom and bathroom, or the pushes and shoves at recess. What was more painful was being picked last for teams in gym, knowing that the two team captains were constantly arguing over who got me, for neither wanted the “loser.”

As we got older, we all learned new methods of bullying. During recess, for example, I hid behind a bush in the playground, reading, and others would come and kick me, throw sand in my eyes, pull my hair, and rip the pages out of my books. We also learned to target new aspects of a person, such as their weight, and forever more I was called “fatty.” The few friends that I had accumulated decided that it would endanger their social status to be seen with me, and joined in the taunting, and eventually learned the “middle finger” from their older siblings.

No matter where I went in the school, I was constantly afraid of someone coming up and teasing me, or hitting me. I came home with scrapes and scratches, completely in tears, and only found peace in my family’s warm embraces.

Luckily, I dealt with bullying by leaving and finding a smaller school, where at first I was shy, and then pushed myself headfirst into the social life. I wasn’t afraid, because I knew that no one knew me here, and no one had anything to hold against me from my past school, and went about with an air of confidence. It was the self-assurance and confidence that made me change myself into a better person. I knocked down the walls that I built against others, and gladly welcomed people as a potential friend.

Bullying isn’t something that you have no control over- if you get teased, walk away like you heard nothing, a smile on your face and your head held high. Even if no one cares, walk like all eyes are on you and all will be. Talk like everyone is hanging on your every word and everyone will. Self-confidence is the key, and if you have that, no names will be able to hurt you as much as you think they can. Bullying is used when a person finds your weakness, so don’t show it, and be confident. Everyone deserves to be happy, so respect yourself, and others will. After all, if you don’t respect yourself, who will?

***

Nightmare
Sophie Wang, 7th Grade/12 Years Old
Willets Road Middle School
Roslyn Heights, NY

The faces form a ring around me,
Their cold eyes staring.
Why me? Why me?
I find myself despairing.

Cruel Words that sting,
Insults flung into the air.
Hot tears trickle down my cheeks,
I utter a silent prayer.

Please let this be over soon.
How can I endure this?
I find myself falling
Into a deep abyss.

Each word uttered
Ignites the pain I feel.
I try to brace myself,
To be as strong as steel.

But to no avail
My shield falls apart.
The pain washes over me.
The pain in my heart.

***

Recorded Song and Sheet Music
Keith Woods, Jackie Woods and Julia Santee, 6th Grade/12 Years Old
Becker Middle School
Becker, MN

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Recorded Song and Sheet Music
Kaitlyn Andren, 8th Grade/14 Years Old
Becker Middle School
Becker, MN

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Board Game
James Brown and Andrew Hewitt, 6th Grade/12 Years Old
Cohoes Middle School
Cohoes, NY

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Artwork
Daisy Cheong, 7th Grade/12 Years Old
Norco Intermediate
Norco, CA

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Artwork
Jonah Coe-Scharff, 7th Grade
Greenville Middle School
Greenville, NY

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My Best Friend
Lauren Cohen, 7th Grade/12 Years Old
Willets Road Middle School
Roslyn Heights, NY

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Bullying
Stephen Colantonio, 6th Grade/11 Years Old
Willow Grove Middle School
Thiells, NY

Have you ever been the center of attention? I bet you have. But I mean in a negative way. The kind of attention that you do not want. Well, I have and it’s not fun.

Take it from me, I’m an ordinary boy in just an ordinary school. Not too different, except I like to sing, act and dance, but I’m still like everyone else, right? Well I think so, but most of the kids think it is the other way around. You see it all started in first grade when I presented my ability to the whole school. That wasn’t the wisest thing to do. Especially because I sang to Britney Spears.

Afterwards, all the boys and girls called me so many things, too many to mention. The emotions you feel are just overwhelming with negativity! I started singing more and more as the years went by, but the laughing and the name calling just kept coming. But these things weren’t like a scratch that will heal, they stick with you and that is exactly what it did. When I got in fourth grade, I couldn’t take it anymore, I wanted to quit what I love doing. But my parents and sisters told me to pursue my dreams and not to listen to what they said to me because they’re jealous. So I did and I’ve got so far and so much better. But people would and sometimes still do reject. I finally got into Middle School and joined the drama club. The people in drama, especially all the boys, like doing what I like doing, I felt relieved.

I think that name-calling is absurd. And if it happens to you, just walk away. Do something you love like I do.

If I could change bullying in my school, I would do more education, reading, research and doing more activities. Also by doing something I love. Thus, you can see I have been through this bullying many times and I want it stopped for good.

***

"Untitled"
Tori Erikson, 5th Grade/10 Years Old
Hollifield Station
Ellicott City, MD

Will Martin was always chosen last for softball practice in gym. He ate by himself at lunch every day. And the only people who treated him like he was a normal human being were teachers and other adults. But the saddest thing is that every day there was a group of kids who made fun of his disabilities. You see, he has muscular dystrophy, which affects both his brain and his muscles.

If you knew the activities Will does in his spare time, you would never figure out he has some mental and physical disabilities. He plays basketball, plays piano, is a whiz on computers, and even knows some of the most amazing facts that a few of my teachers didn’t know. What some kids just don’t understand is that he has feelings just like all of us! Everyday he goes through some of the toughest teasing.

The other day, I overheard some kids making fun of him. They called him some of the cruelest names I have ever heard. It almost brought tears to my eyes. A few months ago, the student counselor talked to us about teasing people. After the meeting at recess, a few kids walked up to him and said that the meeting was really called because the counselor felt sorry for him. Now do you see what I mean about cruel jokes?

But I also think I’m part of the problem. I have never once stood up for Will. I just watch. That’s usually what all of the other kids do too. I guess we’re afraid that if we do say something, we’ll get picked on for being Will’s friend, though I’m not quite sure why we would be afraid of that.

After I thought about it for a while, I gathered up my courage, and sat next to Will at lunch. I could literally feel everyone staring at us. I tried to look like I didn’t care. Before I could worry about what all of the kids would say, Will started talking. He talked like he’d known me his whole life. He talked about his parents, his pets, his siblings. You’re probably wondering why he didn’t talk about his friends. Well, there’s one small problem. He doesn’t have any! And he’s such a nice guy too! So, I started sitting next to him every day.

My happiness faded away when a group of kids walked up to me and started making fun of me just because I had sat next to Will at lunch. Then I knew how Will felt. I got very angry. I started yelling things like, “He can’t help how he is!” and “Why can’t I sit next to him. He’s a really nice person too!” I burst into tears and ran into the bathroom. I felt bad for myself, but I also felt bad for Will. He has to go through situations like this everyday. After I calmed down a bit, I returned to class. I didn’t talk to anyone for the rest of the day.

Even though I felt bad about what happened, I Still sat next to Will every day. After awhile, my friends started to sit with Will and me. Will was so happy he made a bunch of new friends. We soon became best friends ourselves. But most importantly, no one has made fun of him anymore. He finally had what he wanted and deserved- respect and friends.

***

Artwork
Corey L. Fawcett, 8th Grade/13 Years Old
St. Anthony School
Renton, WA

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"Untitled"
Jamie Fisher, 7th Grade/12 Years Old
Pine Ridge Middle School
Naples, FL

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Artwork
JaNaie Fort, 8th Grade/13 Years Old
Sampson G. Smith School
Somerset, NJ

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Just Like You
Julianna Frenette, 3rd Grade/8 Years Old
Bethlehem Elementary School
Bethlehem, CT

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Artwork
Zachery Gelpey
Landmark School
Prides Crossing, MA

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Nigger
Earl Graves, 7th Grade/12 Years Old
Seven Bridges Middle School
Chappaqua, NY

“Hey, Nigger,” he said jokingly. Last year I wasn’t offended by his saying the word to me. Last year I didn’t know what the word really meant. I didn’t know the whole truth to the word.

I live in a very homogenous town. Everyone is mostly white and Jewish. I’m different from all of them. I’m an African American. I am proud to be different, and I am proud to be an African American. Sometimes I just feel excluded from everyone else.

T.G. made me feel excluded. He kept on saying the “n” word to me constantly, but I didn’t mind. I let him say it and get away with it. Not only was he using the word, but since I let him call me it, other people who heard him say it to me decided that it was okay for them to say it. So then I had about 5 or 10 people going up to me and saying, “Hey, Nigger.” After a while I got mad that they were saying it to me. I never told them, though. I didn’t tell any of them to stop until next year.

In the beginning of this year, I told T.G. to stop, but he took it as a joke. So then he said the “n” word to me again. I told him to stop at least five times. He never stopped saying the word. That is when he crossed the line. He just overdid it.

One day, I was on my way to a Bar Mitzvah. I was on the bus and he was sitting across from me. He was rapping a song and he said “nigger.” I just lost it. I lose all respect for this guy and I did something I shouldn’t have done. I went across the bus, went over to him, and was punching him numerous times. I did this so he would stop saying the word. I kept on punching him until someone held me back. I was restrained from him. He looked very dirty and nasty. His tie was out of place, his jacket was up, and everything. I thought that he got the message that he couldn’t say the word.

He did not get the message. I did now know how to get the message across that you can’t say the word. I also wanted to get the message across that the “n” word can offend people. If he told that to someone with less self-control, he would have some major consequences. I had to think how to get the message through to him.

One day I went out for recess and on my way back I went to talk to my friends. T.G. was there behind them. I looked down at his leg and there was writing on it. The writing on his leg was “Nig.” He didn’t use the whole word but he still meant it in the same way. Then everyone in the group was pounding each other’s fists and saying “nig.” Then people were telling me that a different kid wrote the word on a different kid’s leg. So I attacked the kid. I tackled him and punched him. A teacher caught us fighting. He kept us after lunch. He asked us what happened. We told him the truth of what happened. The teacher went right to the guidance office and told the counselor. T.G. and another kid were sent up right away.

The principal planned a meeting between him and me. We met and talked about all the things that happened. He told me how to handle the problem. Then I met with T.G. and then with all the other kids having to do with the problem. I told them about how there is racism everywhere. I gave them examples, such as if you’re driving and you’re going the right speed and not over the speed limit, you will still get a ticket because you are black. This experience was a tough one. I am learning to handle the situation without fighting. I learned that racism and name-calling is something I’m going to have to deal with for the rest of my life. My goal is to shut down name-calling. I know many people go through the same thing I did everyday. The word hurt me emotionally so I want to advise other people to stop calling other people names.

***

Wouldn’t it be Better if We All Quit Name-calling Altogether?
Lovdeep Kaar, 7th Grade/12 Years Old
Avenel Middle School
Avenel, NJ

The images run again and again through my mind
Each time more painful than before
The echoes of laughter suffocate me
Whispers of taunting names follow my every move
I put away the humiliating names,
Gasps of laughter,
And terrifying stares,
Into a tiny box in the deepest, darkest corner of my mind
And I lock the box shit.
I concentrate on something else for a change.
But as minutes go by...
The tiny box pushed away to the deepest darkest corner of my mind
Opens
Pieces of the moment come out
And slowly they recreate the whole incident
No one has laid a finger on me
But yet I hurt all over
I start to wonder...
Is it true?
Am I really a coward?
Will I always chicken out?
Silence...No answer

Why do people have to tease each other?
Why do they call each other names?
They tease each other because they’re different,
The very things that make us special,
The very things that make us who we are?
Then why tease?
Why call names?
If you don’t have anything nice to say,
Don’t say anything at all
Wouldn’t it be better
If we all quit name-calling altogether?

***

Artwork
Keri Suzanne Kaus, 8th Grade/13 Years Old
Norco Intermediate
Norco, CA

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Artwork
Kevin Lu, 8th Grade/13 Years Old
St. Cecilia School
Broussard, LA

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"Untitled"
Ekta Patel, 8th Grade/13 Years Old
Avenel Middle School
Avenel, NJ

It was a normal Monday morning and George was off to school. He was walking down the hallway to his locker when somebody put their foot out, and he tripped. George’s books and papers were flying all around the hallway because people’s feet were kicking his stuff everywhere. George picked up as much of his stuff as he could and then continued his walk to his locker.

George was used to stuff like this happening. He had always been made fun of by people and was always treated differently in school. He spoke English very poorly and was a new student. George gathered his books for his next period class and quickly walked to his class trying to avoid Joe, the school bully. Finally, George reached his English class, this class he hated the most because of his poor English.

When he walked in, he saw the regular people in his class. He sat down in his seat and tried to bury his head in his books. Finally, the teacher walked in. George looked up to an unfamiliar face. The teacher introduced himself as Mr. Smith and then started the lesson.

They started reading a story out loud and that’s when George started getting nervous. He hated reading out loud especially in front of a group of people who would laugh at him. “George,” Mr. Smith said. George looked down at his text, took a long breath and started reading. Laughter filled the room immediately. The teacher looked at George then at the class. George just put his head down on his desk not wanting to be seen. “Stop it! Everybody stop laughing right now!” Mr. Smith was furious and was yelling very loudly at the class. The class became silent and for the rest of the period nobody made a sound including Joe, which was very unusual.

The bell rang and everybody started rushing out the door. George got up and was half way to the door when he heard Mr. Smith call him. “George, I would like to talk to you for a minute. I saw what happened to you in the hallway and then here in class. I know it is very hard for you to go through this, and I would like to help you.” George looked up, amazed, and waited for Mr. Smith to continue. “I would like to know about everything,” Mr. Smith said kindly.

George told Mr. Smith everything he went through and then thanked him and left for his next class. George was shocked that there was somebody who could help him with his problems. He had never talked to anyone about this and now that he did, he felt so much better.

The next day George was excited to go to English class. George realized that Joe had not bothered him all day and he started to wonder why when Joe suddenly called him. George turned around to see Joe and his friends walking toward him. George got scared and didn’t know what to do, so he just stood there. It felt like ages to George until Joe caught up to him. First, Joe looked at the ground and then up at George. “I’m sorry, George for everything I did and said to you. Mr. Smith talked to me this morning and told me how you feel. I never knew how much I hurt your feelings with some of my jokes until Mr. Smith told me. Now I know how wrong it is to make fun of people and I want to apologize for it. Do you want to be friends?” Joe asked with a serious face.

George looked up at Joe, happy and shocked at the words that he had just heard. Without saying anything George nodded his head. George and Joe walked to English class together and they both thanked Mr. Smith for his help. From then on George never had a problem with bullying or name-calling and if he ever did, he knows that talking to someone about the problem will help a lot. George and Joe remained friends and Joe never bullied anybody again.

***

Bully Madness
Kody Steele, Jake Johnson, 6th Grade/12 Years Old
Caledonia Middle School
Caledonia, MN

Dis is the story bout the geek life
all y’all bullies get rid of ya guns get rid of ya knives
ya dats what happenin’ then who be laughin’ then
ya wimp without your threats stop stealing pay of your debts
come on wimp dogg you ain’t no pimp
pick on someone your own size stop, think
realize pickin’ on people that ain’t no fun
my name is Kody Steele and my song is done.

***

No Name-Calling
DJ Tialavea, 8th Grade/13 Years Old
West Jordan Middle School
West Jordan, UT

“Here’s to the ones who are different,
The ones they consider a fool,
The ones who don’t walk, who might not talk
Like the ones you think are cool.

Here’s to the ones who are different,
The ones with CB or CP,
The ones who are deaf, the ones who are dumb.
The ones who can’t even see.

Here’s to the ones who are different,
The ones who are always left out,
I am not a king, but I’ll tell you one thing...
Keep your head up and don’t ever pout!”

“Stupid, “Idiot”, “Four-eyes”, “Dork”, “Fatso”…these are all remarks that hurt people. We should replace these remarks with, “let me help you”, “want to hang-out?”, “let’s be friends”...

People that are different have feelings, too. What is “different”? Just because someone doesn’t talk like you doesn’t mean they are “different”. Just because someone can’t see with their eyes doesn’t mean they are “different”. They see with their heart. Maybe their muscles don’t work like yours- so what? They have a soup or a spirit inside that is just the same as you and me. We should all see and hear more with our hearts!

I have a little sister with Cerebral Palsy. She might not be able to do things that other kids her age do, but she is happy, loving, and always smiling. She loves to give hugs and kisses. She says “hi” to everyone and makes them smile. Maybe she is “different” because she likes everyone and accepts everyone how they are on the outside. We should all be “different” instead of judging people and calling them names.

My English teacher, Mr. Brooks, gives us the opportunity to work with the Special Needs kids twice a month to tutor them. I like it so much that I go once a week. It makes me feel good to be around them and to help them out. But it is also sad because I see others calling these kids names and making fun of them. I wish that these other kids could understand that the Special Needs kids don’t just have “special needs” but that they are special. I want others to understand that everyone has feelings. I hope that the kids who are “different” can be strong enough to hold their heads up high and know that they have other friends like me.

They aren’t like others as you can see.
They’re not like you. They’re not like me.
How would you like it to be teased
Because of a disability or disease?
Would you like it if you were alone,
You had nothing except for your home?
Now think about what others go through
Hoping and wishing to be friends with you.
So open your heard and open your mind
And I’ll bet you tomorrow a new friend you’ll find.

***

My Story
Kathy Tse, 8th Grade/13 Years Old
Hauppauge Middle School
Hauppauge, NY

It was back in the days when I was just a little kid, all alone, with no friends. I felt as though I had nothing. And there was Brian: tall, athletic, popular, good looking, and loved by everyone. Brian and I eventually became best pals when I was being picked on by a bunch of his popular friends.

“Hey! You! Chino, got some wonton soup for me?”

“You, get me some pork fried rice with that too!”

They pushed me to the ground and tore up my books. Every one of them laughed and walked away, every one of them, except Brian that is. He just stood there, staring at me motionlessly.

“What do you want” I cried with anger, “Very funny right? Go ahead and make fun of me. Go on” Still, Brian didn’t say anything. A few moments later, Brian began walking towards me. As he approached, I shut my eyes with fright. To my surprise, Brian tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I was ok.

“Yeah, I’m fine, but my mother’s gonna kill me! I just got these books yesterday, and now, they’re all gone.”

“Here, take mine, I’ve got more at home. My mom owns a stationery store, so I can always replace these,” Brian suggested. At first I took the offer delightfully, but gave them back as soon as I thought of what could have happened. After all, he could tell the principal that I stole them or he could tell his friends to get them back and beat me up. I guess I still couldn’t trust him.

“Why did you give them back?” Brian asked with wonder.

“Why should I trust you? You were with them when they tore my books, weren’t you?” I asked, but was fearful of his response.

“Trust me, even though I do hang out with them, I don’t pick on others. That’s just ain’t my style,” Brian started. “Could you trust me?”

“I guess,” I answer with doubt. It turned out that Brian was nice and that was the beginning of our long, steady friendship. \t Brian lives two blocks away from me, so we walked to school every day for two weeks. We laughed, joked, and everything went nice and smoothly. On the beginning of the third week, however, things were not as smooth anymore. People began to call me names like “geek”, “bookworm”, “loser” and things like that. They started picking on me, and talking about my relationship with Brian. On the other hand, Brian was having some difficulties too. His popular friends were complaining about me, and were saying stuff like “How could you hang out with that no good, dirty Chinese boy?” and “Why aren’t you chilling with us at the club anymore?” Brian almost got kicked out of his group. I didn’t want to be the reason for all of this nonsense, so I walked to school alone that day, the next, and the day after.

Later in the week, Brian knocked on my door, and asked if I could hangout with him in the park nearby.

“Sure, no problem” I said. I went to the garage, and took out my 2002 black BMX, and rode it along with him. When we arrived at the park, Brian told me the most astonishing news ever. He broke the chain between himself and his popular friends.

“Brian, look, you don’t have to do this for me. You were in the popular and elite group, and if you go back now, they might still accept you. And why on earth would you want to hang out with a wimp like me?” I asked.

“It’s not only for you, but for me as well. I am sick and tired of them being racist, and disrespectful, especially when they are picking and bullying others. It’s just not right. Plus, I don’t really need them. I want to be successful in my life and I don’t want my future ruined just because of them. The first time I met you, my feelings told me that you were just the right friend to hang out with.”

I felt like crying after listening to Brian’s words. Since the first day of school, everyone has been ignoring me and now I finally have a friend, a true friend. We signed an oath on the big green tree by the park, promising to stand up for each other, stop bullying in school and to make the world a better place. The afternoon air felt great, and as we were signing our names, the trees nodded.

***