For the second time this year, Sweethearts and Heroes visited the Walton Central School District. This time, though, they ventured to Townsend Elementary for age-appropriate assemblies on bullying, and what students can do in those situations.
Two assemblies were held – one for grades K-2, and the other for grades 3-5.
Former MMA fighter Tom Murphy, who is the director and founder of Sweethearts & Heroes, and Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Rick Yarosh, a HOPE expert and motivational speaker, were the presenters for the day. Yarosh was severely burned while serving in Iraq.
Each assembly featured interactive activities and was aimed toward the elementary grade levels. Students were brought up front to take part in mini roleplays, with Murphy serving as the bully and Yarosh as the one being bullied. Students were taught different ways to be a superhero – and use their powers to help in the situation. Those tactics including removing the person being bullied from the situation; making friends with the person being bullied; and getting help when needed.
Following the main assemblies, Murphy held circle activities with some classrooms, and Yarosh held Q&A sessions with other classes.
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