April 19: Lockerby Composite School hosts “Courage to Stand Day”

The third annual “Courage to Stand Day” will take place at Lockerby Composite School on Friday, April 19, 2013. Four students from each secondary school in Greater Sudbury will attend the event, representing the four area school boards – Rainbow District School Board, Sudbury Catholic District School Board, Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario (CSCNO) and Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario (CSPGNO).

The purpose of the day is to change the negative perceptions currently associated with April 20th, such as the shootings at Columbine High School, Hitler’s birthday and the national day for marijuana use. Youth will be given an alternative to explore the courage to stand for what is right.

“Courage to Stand Day” will feature the reading of a Proclamation, remarks from dignitaries, the launch of the THINK program, and a message from Canadian country singer Stacey Zegers.

Mayor Marianne Matichuk will proclaim “Courage to Stand Day”.  Deputy Chief Al Lekun will bring greetings to the participants on behalf of the Greater Sudbury Police Service.  The Honourable Rick Bartolucci, MPP for Sudbury, will speak. He has been an advocate for children and youth since his years in education.  A Superintendent representing each school board will also deliver a message modeling collaboration and respect. 

The THINK (True Hurtful Illegal Necessary Kind) initiative will be launched during “Courage to Stand Day”. KICX 91.7 is excited to be partnering with the Greater Sudbury Police Service and the Chief’s Youth Advisory Council to bring awareness to the e-bullying issue that has become so prevalent among young people.  The THINK Campaign will help teenagers stop and reassess what they are texting and putting on social media every day. Leanne and Brad Hulme, Morning Hosts of KICX Hot New Country 91.7, will attend “Courage to Stand Day” to launch the partnership.

Canadian country singer Stacey Zegers’ latest music video, Sunflower, focuses on bullying. Having been bullied growing up, Stacey wanted to build awareness and use her voice as an opportunity to create an anti-bullying campaign. Stacey describes bullying as "when someone does or says something to hurt someone else. It is always on purpose. Bullies can work on their own or in packs. Either way, bullying is about making someone feel small and powerless. No one asks to be bullied, and no one deserves it."