In response to the tragic death of Ms. Scott, Mr. Lynn may recall writing an editorial regarding my walk from Otter Valley Union High School in Brandon to Montpelier some 16 years ago, seeking support against bullying in that school. My son was tormented, threatened, terrorized and afraid for his life. He, too, sought help from teachers and other school authorities.
At age 13, he asked us to set up a meeting with one of his teachers, desperate for us to get help against being bullied by students who were well known. Our son told this teacher in detail what was happening to him on the bus, in the hallways, and in the lunch room. Imagine our disgust when this teacher replied, “Welcome to eighth grade.”
Our son learned that he cannot trust adults to help him, with anything, to this day.
Sixteen years later, however, school officials are still passing the ball:
Superintendent David Adams’ response in the article mimics the script we were told the day after the police at an Otter Valley dance had to escort my son to safety after being surrounded by 15 bullies in the parking lot.
However, rather than this letter being one of anger, I want to follow Mr. Lynn’s example by encouraging “better education at the school and among the community.” And to this day, I agree, there is a lot to be done, yet let us all work for eliminating bullying and its often tragic results.
Kenneth Levine
Sudbury