Bully Proof series’ activities continue

In conjunction with National Bullying Prevention Month, the Department of Counseling and Psychology has partnered with the National Endowment for the Arts’ Big Read program and CGI, offering a series of events called “Bully Proof.”

“Bully Proof” puts emphasis on preventing and stopping bullying, cyber-bullying and suicide.

The series began with a presentation by Stephan Berry, an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation and Interpreter Training, titled “Suicide Prevention: What Parents Need to Know.”

Students can get involved in other activities planned for later in the month.

A 5k “Bully Proof” run will be held Oct. 18. The event begins at 8 a.m. in the downtown square of Troy.

Entertainment during the run will include exhibits and live performances by the Benton Brothers & Company, The Pot Holes and Jared Henderson.

Proceeds will be used for new curriculum and personnel for anti-bullying and peer helper programs in Pike County and Troy city schools.

The series ends Oct. 23 with a town hall meeting and candlelight vigil in Room 122 of Hawkins Hall.

Beginning at 7 p.m., a panel of administrators, educators and mental health counselors and professors will discuss bullying, cyber-bullying and their psychological effects.

The panel will also be answering questions from the audience in an effort to raise community awareness on the issue.

Runners can register for the 5k at www.bullyproof5k.eventbrite.com.