Ninth-graders Makayla Schmidt and Ponia Clark said they came to the vigil not only in remembrance of the boy they had come to know in their classes, but also to support a friend who witnessed the tragedy. The gathering at the school gave students a chance to mourn together, Ponia said.
"I knew (him) really well, and I think other people needed comfort as well as me,” she said, her voice trembling as she looked around at the group. “I needed to find a place where I could cry.”
Makayla said bullying is sometimes hard to see, especially when it is done through cruel words. “I heard it, people (talking about him),” she said. “I don't think people realize how much words can hurt.”
School officials have encouraged students to report any incidents of bullying through a district safety hotline at 801-481-7199. The district also offers an anonymous text service for bullying to be reported at 801-664-2929.
E-mail: preavy@desnews.com, Twitter: DNewsCrimeTeam
DeseretNews.com encourages a civil dialogue among its readers. We welcome your thoughtful comments.
— About comments
- Miss Utah USA gets second chance at question...
- Miss Utah USA's bungled interview creates...
- Doug Robinson: Utah man's new running shoe...
- Bear scare: 'Baden and Logan saved my life.'
- 7-year-old girl who met Justin Bieber passes...
- Impeachment investigation 'highly likely,'...
- Man charged with attempted murder in Ogden...
- Ogden man shot as he knelt to pray is...
Subscribe
Mobile
RSS
- Miss Utah USA's bungled interview...
38 - BYU poll: Majority favor impeachment,... 29
- Video: Miss Utah USA flubs answer at... 26
- Teen's family apologizes to family of... 21
- 2 others back up extortion claims... 21
- Attorneys for AG John Swallow say... 20
- Gunman caught after shooting... 20
- New York English teacher assigns... 18
I remember a time in junior high when I turned in a bully for getting into my locker and throwing the contents into some toilets. I knew who it was because I caught him a couple of times trying to jimmy the lock. The bully got two students to testify More..
Only certain kids are entitled to be protected from bullies.
Those who have support from celebrities and activists are the ones who society cares about the most.
Others kids, depending on their religion or their parent's More..
Face it - public schools are toxic cesspools. Parents should have a right to choose whatever school they want so their children can feels safe, and be in the best situation possible for them. Parents, not cold calculating bureaucrats should choose. More..