Suffolk County’s Bullying Awareness

The first place winner of Music Video Contest was awarded to Jameson Wessels of Mt. Sinai for his music video titled “Why?”. Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker, along with local music celebrities, announced the winners of the contest at the Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School in Rocky Point on Monday, June 1.
Suffolk County students were invited to submit a music video entry to help raise awareness about bullying in schools. Jameson’s winning music video will be featured on www.suffolkstopbullying.org and he will be invited to perform his song at the 2015 Summer Concert Series. He will also receive a cash prize of $500 generously donated by Mike DelGuidice of Big Shot the Ultimate Billy Joel Tribute Band, and North Shore Youth Council.
“According to 2010 Bullying Statistics, 160,000 children miss school each day for fear of being bullied,” said Legislator Anker, County Chairwoman of the Education and Information Technology Committee. “I want to congratulate the winners and thank them for their dedication to such an important issue impacting our local kids.”
The second place winner of the contest went to Isabela Neves of Mt. Sinai for her music video titled “My Movie”, and the third place winner went to Marchand’s School of Dance for their performance to “Try” by Colbie Caillat. Judges for the contest included local celebrities Mike DelGuidice of Big Shot the Ultimate Billy Joel Tribute Band, Anthony Mingoia of Patent Pending, and Danny “Energetic” Rivera of Asking Myself Association.
“Bullying has significant short and long-term effects that impact the education, health and safety of our children,” said Janene Gentile, executive Director of North Shore Youth Council. “Our organization believes that bullying can be prevented, especially when the power of a community is brought together. It is contests like this one that can change the attitudes and behaviors of adults and youth who tolerate bullying behaviors in peer groups, schools, and communities; and we are proud to be a part of this effort.”
“Bullying has increased dramatically over the past several years, and it’s crucial we do as much as we can to bring awareness towards this issue,” said Mike DelGuidice. “Music helps to provide our youth with an opportunity to express themselves and our three contestant winners were able to provide information to their peers on the dangers of bullying in a safe and welcoming environment.”
“Most of us have been on the receiving end of bullying at one point in our life,” said Anthony Mingoia of Patent Pending. “The important thing to know is that you are not alone. Talk about it, make it known, and don’t be afraid to share your feelings with others. I guarantee you will find someone who can relate to you. If we open our hearts, we won’t feel alone, and together we can make bullying a thing of the past.”
“I was happy to be a part of such a great effort to bring awareness toward bullying occurring in our schools,” said Danny “Energetic” Rivera. “It is projects such as Legislator Anker’s bullying awareness website and music video contest that help bring students together to recognize the dangers and ultimately put an end to bullying.