Posted on Dec 20, 2007

On Dec. 20th Sheriff Bob Alford presented certificates to all third grade students at Caddo Grove Elementary in Joshua for their completion of the Bullying Hurts program. Joshua High School FFA students mentored these elementary students, presenting lessons designed to help young people define bullying and better understand its consequences. Learning how to effectively cope with bullying is a goal of these sessions as well. Third grade teachers Deidre Browder, Heather Coder, Tania Hillock, and Toni Worden were instrumental in making this program a success, as a cooperative effort with Dr. Melta Sprinkles, Joshua ISD Administrators, and Haley Harris Joshua FFA teacher. “Being bullied does hurt,” Sheriff Alford told the boys and girls. “It’s important to stand up for one another and to help your friends, and to be good to each other,” he said. Sheriff Alford has been ready to move forward with this program for about a year now. It has been difficult for the schools to find time to implement the program, but all the school administrators in the county have had very positive things to say about the program and hope to get it instituted this school year. “We appreciate Starvin’ Marvin Nash the pro-rodeo clown and his wife Darlene, who developed Bullying Hurts after getting a request from a teacher to come up with a bullying program to help children. Several sponsors have stepped up to the plate to donate money for several Johnson County schools. Prime Resource, Worth Casualty, Inflatable Party Magic, and The Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse were all generous early on, wanting to help with this much needed anti-bullying program for children. We deeply appreciate them and all they have done to support the Sheriff’s Office and the children and their families in our county. There are countless others who give us support daily. We want you to know how much this means to us and the people we serve.” Bob L. Alford Sheriff