Bikers against Bullies comes to Charlo
On Friday, Jared Blake, Flash, and Chris from Bikers Against Bullies USA, came to the Charlo school to talk about the importance of resisting drugs, alcohol, and bullies. It was their last school stop on their two week “Live To Be Tour” and anti-bullying campaign.
“Me and my friends just want to save [the students] time and pain,” said Blake. The trio talked to the Charlo students about respect, freedom, and diversity, along with the importance of making good choices and setting personal goals.
Blake, Flash, and Chris specifically talked to the students about how their choices have impacted the course of their lives. All three men have suffered from drug and alcohol addictions; drifting in and out of psych wards and rehabilitation centers, and away from friends and family. Now they are completely clean and dedicated to encouraging students to make the right choices.
“My life is absolutely amazing because I made the choices I did,” shared Blake, who reached Top four on The Voice as part of Blake Shelton’s team. He now has a song in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Blake handed out posters with the slogan “Live To Be…” The students were encouraged to write a goal on the poster. “I want you to look at it everyday and be reminded what you want out of life,” said Blake.
Charlo Superintendent, Bonnie Perry, was the one who recruited Bikers Against Bullies to speak with the Charlo students. When asked about how she wants students to respond to the anti-bullying campaign, she replied, “My hope is that it does two things for kids: makes them think twice about bullying another student and gives students the tools they need in order to stand up for those that are being bullied. When students witness acts of bullying I fear that they won’t know what to do. Hopefully with more awareness and more tools in their tool belt they will be able to assist the campaign against it. Sometimes hearing a peer tell you that what you are doing is wrong will mean more than it does coming from an adult.”
Although their tour in schools is over, Jared, Flash, and Chris will continue spreading their message everywhere they go. The next stop? Playing for our troops in Afghanistan.