The essay by Endeavor Sixth Grade Science Teacher Morgan Chavez-VanBemden was selected as the winner. She said her drive to support those who have been bullied comes from experiences of her youth.
“Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the impact that bullying and marginalization can have on a person's life,” Chavez-VanBemden said. “I saw how it can erode a person's sense of self-worth, make them feel invisible, and leave them feeling isolated and alone.”
She also understands the power of kindness, compassion, and empathy, and the impact they can have on young lives.
“I saw how a simple act of kindness from a teacher, family member, or a friend can change the trajectory of a person's life. These random acts of kindness and compassion can give others the courage to speak up, to stand tall, and to believe in themselves. With that, I'm reminded that, as a teacher, I have the power to make a positive impact on my students' lives.”
By winning the contest, Chavez-VanBemden will have the opportunity to work with leadership at the school to implement some of her ideas supporting mental health development for students, and training for staff.
“Including mental health initiatives into our anti-bullying initiative is paramount. To achieve this, we'll implement a multifaceted approach that addresses the emotional and social well-being of our students.”
Some of her ideas:
- Restorative justice circles
- Mindfulness practice
- Social-emotional learning (aided by gaming and virtual reality)
- Student-led storytelling
- Inclusive art projects
Support from Endeavor Principal Tom McPherson has been a strong motivator for Chavez-VanBemden.
“Tom is the most supportive admin I've ever had the pleasure of working with,” she said. “He empowers every single one of his staff members and fosters a culture of autonomy, creativity, and collaboration. He genuinely wants to hear from us, learn about our unique strengths, and explore ways to leverage those strengths to benefit our students.”
McPherson said Chavez-VanBemden has a resounding passion for kids and for education. The money will be used to fund many of her ideas and sustain efforts to continue a supportive school environment.
“She is always looking for ways to go beyond the classroom and ensure that her kids experience the broader world outside of our immediate community,” he said. “Whether it's building a community garden, cooking tamales with her students, or securing a transformational grant from the Red Wings to continue our anti-bullying work, she is a teacher that kids look forward to having as their teacher!”
Chevez-VanBemden said she was elated to hear of her win and plans to take a mix of staff and students to the game.
“I feel grateful to work in an environment where my ideas are valued, and I'm excited to continue working together to make a positive impact on our students' lives!”
Morgan Chavez-VanBemden’s winning essay:
As a fourth-year teacher at a Title 1 school serving a diverse student population, I've had the privilege of walking alongside my students as they navigate the ups and downs of growing up. But I've also seen the devastating impact that bullying can have on their lives. That's why I'm so passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for every student.
My proposed anti-bullying program is built on the understanding that every student has a unique set of experiences, challenges, and strengths. I’m committed to meeting students where they're at, rather than expecting them to conform to a one-size-fits-all approach. This means providing a safe space for students to share their concerns, listening to their voices, and empowering them to become allies and advocates for one another.
Mental health is at the heart of my proposed program. I recognize that bullying can have severe and long-lasting consequences on students' mental health, from increased anxiety and depression to suicidal thoughts. In fact, according to the CDC, for youth ages 10 to 14, suicide is the second leading cause of death. Let that sink in. That's why I plan on working to ensure that our staff is equipped to provide mental health first aid, and that students have access to mindfulness programs, stress management techniques, and resources to receive follow up care or provide anonymous tips if they’re concerned about their safety or the safety of their peers.
By fostering a culture of care, compassion, and empathy, we can help every student feel safe and supported. This isn't just about preventing bullying – it's about creating a community that values kindness, respect, and inclusivity. By meeting our students where they're at, we can empower every student to thrive beyond the confines of Endeavor Charter Academy.
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About Endeavor Charter Academy
Endeavor Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Springfield, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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