Johnston Resident Continues Leading Cranston Kids In Anti-Bullying Effort

For three mornings this week, Hugh B. Bain Middle School in Cranston hosted performances by Project Respect and the Bain Stepperz, two student groups who work to spread the word against bullying.

Advisor Sheri Brown, a Johnston resident, has been faculty advisor for the program for nearly 10 years.

"The whole idea of the program we've created here at Bain is empowering kids to be going the right thing," Brown explained during the troupe's rehearsal on March 22. "The philosphy behind the program is peer education, so I have the kids delivering the message to other kids as opposed to adults getting up in front of the classroom."

Students were selected through an application process which included a written essay, and have spent the last few weeks perfecting their sketches and dance routines, said Brown, who added she received more than 100 applications from prospective performers.

The accompanying video shows the Bain Stepperz and two of Project Respect's actors, Victor Otero and Christina Arlia, rehearsing their scene.