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BHS Freshmen and Local Volunteers Participate in Immersive Building Hope Program Sponsored by Bear Contracting

By Trina Runner on November 22, 2019 via Connect-Bridgeport.com

When Tia Reppert entered the halls of Bridgeport High School on November 6, she returned to her Alma Mater with a message of resilience for the current students.  Now working for Bear Contracting, Reppert helps to coordinate the implementation of the Building Hope Anti-Bullying Program which partnered local professionals with freshmen in all Harrison County high schools.
 
The program returned to Bridgeport High School to offer students a day-long interactive experience in which they learned about the importance of attitude, respect, anger management, stereotypes, and authenticity.  After an initial session promoting job opportunities in the Mountain State, including career options that do not require college.  
 
Bear Contracting sponsored the program, developed by Changepoint Learning.  Mark Urso, President and Managing Member of Bear Contracting, could relate to how current students struggle with school and with bullying. Because of his own painful experience in school, he discovered the Building Hope program and worked with county schools in order to make it happen.  
 
Unlike many anti-bullying programs, Building Hope is immersive.  Local volunteers worked with students in small groups, sharing their own stories and encouraging students to share their own.  By seeing different perspectives, students become more empathetic and understanding of their peers.
 
“This assembly was one of my favorite days we have had in school this year,” said Freshman Reagan Moore. “It was very eye-opening and very emotional and helped us bond with others that we barely knew before the assembly.”
 
Several seniors participated in the workshops as well, offering underclassmen mentorship and sharing their own stories and struggles.  The impact of the program was evident as students began learning how to view situations from other points of view.
 
“My favorite part of the program was at the end when students started apologizing to one another for past situations,” said senior Alden Smith.  “We were all inspired by the connectivity and unity we felt as we shared our stories.”
 
By promoting positive peer support, embracing diversity, self-esteem and personal power, facilitators provided students with verbal and non-verbal strategies that could help reframe challenging situations. The program is designed to encourage students to take theses skills to the greater school population and improve culture among peers.
 
Jeff Smell was the Champion Volunteer for the BHS program.  Local sponsors included Bear Contracting, Entegra Energy Solutions, Bridgeport Rotary, Energy Transportation, Rominger Dental, Bad Lizard Granite, Medbrook Children’s Charity, Central Supply, Ascent Consulting and Engineering, Skasik’s Quality Dry Cleaners, Oliverio’s Florist, Beverage Distributors, and Applied Construction Solutions.
 
The Building Hope program stresses that real change can only happen if there is a mental and emotional shift in each individual.  Students trade critical attitudes for compassionate perspectives and helps them discover the story behind each face they see in the halls.
 
“We are thrilled that we can bring this program to Harrison County students and it is a very intense experience for everyone involved,” said Reppert.  “We want to create an inclusive, supportive network for the students and use our own experiences to help guide them into influencing the world in a positive way.”
 
Editor's Note: Pictured above is Reppert and images captured during the 2018 Building Hope program at BHS.


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