R.E.A.C.H. has named the week of October 19 ‘Make a New Friend Week’ and Friday, Oct. 23 ‘Stand up for Others Day.’

The purpose of both is to bring about awareness for National Anti-bullying month and in the words of Mrs. Hornfeck, R.E.A.C.H. sponsor, “to build a community of respect in Bethel Park.”

In a school 1500 students, it could be difficult for students to make new  friends. A new student might find this even more challenging.

Upon being questioned on the topic of whether or not it is hard to make friends at BPHS, an anonymous student responded: “Yes, an enthusiastic yes. It is hard. [Students] judge you by your appearance [;] they judge you by everything.”

With that in mind, the R.E.A.C.H. committee urges students and staff to reach out and make a friend. If you see someone sitting alone at lunch, sit with them. If you come across a fellow student or teacher alone, approach them and try to strike up a conversation. Do what you would want others to do for you.

‘Stand Up For Others Day’ will focus on anti-bullying.

Consider for a moment the R.E.A.C.H. video students saw on Thursday, Oct. 8. In the video, you will remember the girl who had gotten a lunch smeared all over her clothes. If you were able to see the video in its entirety, there was a scene in which two students come to the aid of this girl and ruin their own clothes. These two students stood up for the student, and that is what R.E.A.C.H. is urging students and staff to do this upcoming week.

So if you see a situation during ‘Stand Up For Others Day’ or even any other day, stand up and be there for your fellow student or staff member. As, once again in the words of Mrs. Hornfeck, “Everyone deserves respect.”

Respect your fellow student or staff member by showing your support for ‘Stand Up For Others Day’ and ‘Make A New Friend Week’ by being a friend and standing up for others.