Starting last school year as a pilot project, “Building Hope” is a program designed to eliminate bullying and break down stereotypical barriers. Within the next several weeks, the day-long program is coming to all Harrison County schools. On Oct. 2, it will be delivered to freshmen of Bridgeport High School.

 

BHS Alumna Tia Reppert, class of 2014, is one of many behind the scenes. She works for Bear Contracting, the company that launched the pilot program. It is Bear Contracting President Mark Urso of Clarksburg who brought the program to West Virginia after it was well-received in Ohio schools.

 

When delivered in the spring of 2018 at Robert C. Byrd, “Building Hope” was very successful and initiated a lot of conversation, not just about bullying, but also about various issues, fears and anxieties kids are facing.

 

The program begins at 7:30 a.m. with orientation and training of adult volunteers. Forty volunteers per school are needed. They not only help facilitate, but also actively participate. Seeing adults speak out and step out is encouraging to students and they are more likely to do the same, Reppert said.

 

During the first half of the day, students participate in games and activities after which volunteers work in small groups of four or five students. Ice breaker games and a “Step Out of the Crowd” activity follow and the program concludes with small group discussion and an open mic session.

 

A video presentation is also part of the program. Created by MetroNews/Pikewood Digital, the film encourages students to think outside the box when it comes to post-high school and career planning.

 

“Mark struggled with bullying in school and wanted to show the students that just because they may struggle academically, socially, or in other ways, there are still opportunities out there, and they aren’t alone,” Reppert said. “(The video) spotlights people in construction and the natural gas industry who didn’t necessarily get a college degree. Through hard work and certifications, they worked their way up. It seems everybody is pushing kids to go to college and that it’s the only way to get a good job, but there are many opportunities out there in the state that kids don’t know about; really good alternatives.”

 

Various councilors share personal experiences and facilitate a game which is not only fun, but also produces powerful results.

 

“We put a piece of tape across the gym floor and counselors read out statements, asking students and volunteers to cross the line if it pertains to them,” Reppert said. “By this point, everyone is more comfortable and willing to open up a little more. It’s a chance for them to see that volunteers went through an experience they may be going through.”

 

Principals of each high school have input on those statements, inspired by the particular culture of the school, Reppert said.

 

Across the board, Harrison County Schools approved and endorsed the program. Organizers hope members of the public will help. Those who would like to volunteer can contact Reppert at mreppert@bear-contracting.com or 304-203-2243. A full schedule follows:

 

Sept. 24: South Harrison

Sept. 25: Notre Dame

Sept. 26: Robert C. Byrd

Oct. 1: Lincoln

Oct. 2: Bridgeport

Oct. 3: Liberty

 

It is requested that an adult who has a child at or is otherwise affiliated with a freshman at one of the schools participate in a program at another school, Reppert said.

 

Editor's Note: Pictured is Mark Urso and counselor Pete Bryant.