Jennifer & Brian O.

I am an AACPS:  Parent, Waugh Chapel Elementary School

My 9 year old daughter, Katherine “Katie” O., who is a 5th grade student at Waugh Chapel  Elementary School, won the county-wide 2018 AACPS Olivia Constants Foundation Change through the Arts contest. She created an anti-bullying poster to help in the effort to stop bullies from hurting other children and students.

Katie has experienced intimidation and teasing from other students personally, which we felt was bullying. She was very troubled after this experience and decided to use her voice to support efforts to stop bullying. She feels very strongly about preventing bullying from happening to any other person. Katie said, “I didn’t know I was going to win [the contest] but you should stand up for what’s right, no matter if you win or lose. I didn’t care if I won or not; I just needed to do what’s right. We are so proud of Katie for being a true up-stander against bullying versus remaining a by-stander. We are proud of her courage, commitment, and artistic talent to speak out and support this important cause.