Welcome to Virginia
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Nickname
Old Dominion, Mother of Presidents, Mother of States
Motto
Latin: Sic Semper Tyrannis
English: Thus Always to Tyrants
Your State Representatives
State Representative Ashley T.
“I don’t mind going against the norm. I do not want to listen to rumors & gossip. I refuse to spread them…That is bullying and I do not want to be a part of it.”
-Ashley
Why Ashley T. was Nominated:
Ashley is a member of the student bully prevention team. This year she shared her message of her experience with being bullied to the entire middle school and even reflected on moments when she herself did not always do the right thing at the right time. Ashley was brave enough to challenge the school to stand up for what is right and help everyone respect others. She is a student who is strong enough to overcome, self-reflect, and inspire others.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Brett T.
“I choose to Be Strong by supporting my teammates on and off the field.”
-Brett
Why Brett T. was Nominated:
Brett came into Hickory as a new student this year and struggled to find a group with whom he could identify. He also struggled with home sickness and has experienced separation anxiety from friends and family. Brett’s moral compass is pointed in the right direction, and he has since established himself into positions that would allow We Dine Together to become well-received and well-spread.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Abigail S.
“I choose to Be Strong in my school, community & in the hearts of others by spreading optimism to everyone I meet & by offering words of kindness & encouragement to those who need it.”
-Abigail
Why Abigail S. was Nominated:
Abby excels academically, engages in meaningful conversations in class, and is respectful to peers and adults. Abby is a positive individual who is always willing to help others and make them feel included. She displays great leadership in group activities and is kind and encouraging. Abby is an amazing student who I would highly recommend as an ambassador.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Alex M.
“When you go to school you should be able to step in with the feeling that it’s okay to be yourself and its okay to express yourself.”
-Alex
Why Alex M. was Nominated:
I am nominating Alexandra, as a state representative and founder of the WDT club. She has asked me to become a faculty moderator for a bullying prevention club that she is establishing at our school, Bishop Ireton High School, this year. She is a big proponent of bullying prevention initiatives and we discussed her goal and vision for the club, as well as being a part of the Be Strong organization. From our conversations (and the Google Doc that she had prepared prior to our meeting), it is clear that Alex is serious about establishing this club to spread awareness about bullying in our school, as well as implementing projects to promote inclusiveness and kindness among the student body. Not only is Alex excited about starting the club at our school, but she is also looking forward to being part of a bigger organization (Be Strong) so she can continue to learn how she can better serve her community and her peers. Aside from her proactiveness and enthusiasm, Alex is a wonderful student. I had the pleasure of teaching her during her freshman year, and she is thoughtful, organized, and clearly intelligent. Socially, she is respectful, kind, and works well with her peers; I could always count on her to work with a couple of the students who were not comfortable working with other people.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Brooke U.
“I choose to Be Strong by always looking on the brighter side and using my talents to inspire others.”
– Brooke
Why Brooke U. was Nominated:
As her youth pastor, I’ve seen Brooke serve in incredible capacities. From impoverished children and adults in several places across the country, to mentally, sexually, and physically abused women, to local outreach programs through our church, her desire to let others know that they are loved shines through in everything she does. She is a great leader and has planned and executed several children’s camps, and has been a driving force in our church’s youth group for years. She is talented and relatable, and genuinely enjoys using both of those skills for the good of others.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
State Representative Alex U.
“I choose to Be Strong by always looking on the brighter side and using my talents to inspire others.”
– Alex
Why Alex U. was Nominated:
Alex is a wonderful candidate to be a part of this organization because of just how much he cares for other people. I have seen him tear up in frustration telling me about bullying he’s witnessed, and have seen him befriend those folks who might be on the outside of what’s “popular.” His kind heart and physical presence seem to have earned him a great deal of influence among his peers, and I’m proud to say that he is using that influence to make his school a better place one relationship at a time.
My Community Voice
Below is a collection of my community engagement and random acts of kindness. Help me to get the word out and share this with your friends.
Download the Be Strong App to Connect with Local Resources
Help Us Understand Bullying in Your State
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Want to Become A State Representative?
Current Student Resources
The Surprising Reason Mindfulness Makes You Happier
Practices have been shown to increase positive emotions, including gratitude, spending on others, meditation and mindfulness.
Show Kindness for Kaleb
It is with deep sadness that our Be Strong family mourns the loss of one of our student leaders, Kaleb Honea.
Understanding Your Emotions
Emotional awareness is the first step toward building emotional intelligence, a skill that can help people succeed in life.