Shelby Junior High works to cut out bullying

Shelby Junior High School has a life-sized reminder about how to avoid being a victim of bullies.

He is Stand Up Stanley, a large cut out who has come to symbolize the importance of fighting back against bullies.

"He reminds us that we need to help other kids and stand up to bullies," said Shelby eighth-grader Nathan Robinson.

Stand Up Stanley was a natural symbol for the school, which this year is focused on the best ways to keep their school bully-free.

Recently, the school hosted Brooks Gibbs, a nationally-renowned speaker who has earned a reputation as a leading authority on youth issues surrounding bullying.

Gibbs shared with Shelby students how he stood up to bullies in his school years. His strategy was to stand up to bullies with kindness and respect.

"That's how you get respect - when you give respect," he said. "Love is the higher road and treating people like friends is the way to go."

Stanley makes his home in the Shelby Junior High Schol media center. The Media Center also has a suggestion box to allow students to give feedback about the school environment.