Adam Beverly with a poster advertising a discussion on anti-bullying at Bendle High School. Photo by Tara Moreno BURTON — The students at Bendle School District are encouraged to wear purple Feb. 15 to signify anti-bullying support

“If there are bullies out there, this is to make them more aware of what they do,” said Trisha Cherveny, South Bendle Elementary principal. “Our goal is to make the kids more aware and come together as a community. The whole district is representing anti-bullying day to show that we are against bullying.”

A presentation in Fenton to inform Genesee County high school students and faculty on bullying awareness was made by a group called Community Parent. Bendle high school student Adam Beverly attended the presentation and as a result has headed five meetings for the anti-bullying campaign.

Thirty-two students now make up the group’s membership.

“I just want to help people. I know how it feels to feel hopeless,” said Beverly.

Bendle High School Principal Scott Williams is active in the anti-bullying campaign, but credits the students for its quick success.

“They are doing a phenomenal job,” said Williams.

According to Cherveny, the state of Michigan “is now mandating you have a bullying policy” by June 6. He said Bendle has always had a policy.

Wearing purple is the nationally recognized color for anti-bullying.

“We are hoping more schools will follow through,” said Beverly. “We want to have a big impact on the world but first we have to do it in our school.”