IN HER OWN WORDS

MY ANTI-BULLYING CAMPAIGN

BY STEPAHNIE SKINNER

Hi everyone! My name is Stephanie Skinner. I am a rising high school senior from Upstate New York. I have always been very academically involved in my high school. From Student Council, National Honor Society, Leadership Core, Mathletics, French Club, etc I find joy in lifting others up in the academic field while furthering my leadership skills.

Outside of the classroom, I will either be on the dance competition stage, field hockey field, or out in my community. I was recently awarded with the Orlando Scholarship of $5,000 for completing over 500 of community service this past year. I work with different organizations, such as Gigi’s Playhouse, NY Special Olympics, Samaritan’s Purse, Ronald McDonald House Charities and many more!

My real passion lies in helping others find their confidence and their voice. In 2019, I created my own organization, Hands of Hope in 2019 to instill confidence in today’s youth while spreading bullying prevention awareness. Through workshops, presentations, visual demonstrations, resources, social media initiatives, and Hand Pledge crafts, I strive to empower others to show everyone including themselves unconditional respect.

Growing up I experienced severe bullying thus why it is so important to me to help others overcome the same struggles I once went through.

One of my biggest role models is the famous Hunger Games actress, Jennifer Lawerance. She is my role model not only because the Hunger Games is one of my favorite movies but because of her vulnerability, passion, and determination. Jennifer Lawerance has stated multiple times in the press that she was bullied in high school and never felt as if she “fit in”. I relate a lot to her story and I am inspired by the way she uses her platform to speak out against bullying. I strive to use my voice as well as my “superpower” of confidence to continue making the change I wish to see in the world. So far, Hands of Hope has reached 5,000 students from 25 different states. I plan to reach all 50 states to share my story and the prevalence of bullying prevention in schools today.

I recently traveled to Little Rock, Arkansas this past June to compete with the best of the best from across the country at the Miss High School America National Pageant. This scholarship organization offers high school female students an incredible experience at Nationals filled with excursions, Red Carpet events, on stage performances, and memories that will last a lifetime.

The Miss High School America Organization cultivates leadership, communication, and life skills while supporting young women academically and through community service. I am grateful to say I won the National title of Miss High School America 2021.

TENDER LOVING

“I pair my B.R.A.V.E promotion with Hands of Hope to empower students while providing a proactive and reactive approach to bullying.”

The Miss High School America Organization has a National antibullying platform called B.R.A.V.E (building respect and values for everyone) which I will Nationally be promoting all year long. I pair my B.R.A.V.E promotion with Hands of Hope to empower students while providing a proactive and reactive approach to bullying. Through my high school experience and my journey with the High School America Organization, I have learned that you are capable of anything you set your mind to and your worth does not depend on the opinions of others. Now I hope to inspire others to see their true value as well!