Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-04-13, Page 13Wednesday, April 13, 2005 Exeter Times–Advocate 13 Neuts seeks to end bullying Queensway volunteer appreciation Mike Neuts speaks to Grade 7 and 8 students at Precious Blood school. (Photo/Mike Johnston) By Mike Johnston TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — Grade 7 and 8 students from Precious Blood, Mount Carmel and St. Boniface schools learned a lesson about bullying last week from someone who had to learn it first hand. Mike Neuts spoke at Precious Blood April 8 to attentive students about his 10 -year-old son, Miles, who died six days after being hanged on a coat rack by bullies in February 1998. In his heartfelt speech, which started with a slide show while playing a song titled "Don't Laugh At Me," the Chatham man started his speech with the statement that the media often only report what young people are doing wrong. "Not enough do we hear about the good things young people do, so to start I want you all to give yourselves a round of applause," he said. He then asked the kids three questions — who had been a victim of bullying, who had bullied others at school, and who had bullied their little brother or sister at home. For all three, nearly all the hands in the room went up. Neuts told in detail what happened from his point of view on the tragic February day he got a call at work from his wife saying that one of their two sons (the school had called her but had failed to specify which son) had choked. "I don't remember hanging up the phone. I ran out of the factory past the security desk and drove right to the school," said Neuts. Neuts and his wife, Brenda, had to make a choice "no parent should have to make" and decide whether to keep Miles on life sup- port knowing full well he would never wake up, or to pull the plug. They opted to cut life support. The bullies - two boys aged 11 and 12 - were expelled from the school for the rest of the year, but not charged. They were separated the next year and sent to differ- ent schools. "I'm trying to get the message across to chil- dren to stand up, be brave and report bully- ing, and to feel good about themselves," said Neuts before the speech. "Parents need to pay attention to their children and tell them that they love them. They need to make sure that any problems are being adressed." Pictures of Miles taken the day he was killed were sent around the room, and Neuts urged any students who were victims of bullying to get it out in the open and tell a teacher, par- ent, friend, neighbor or police officer. "These should be some of the best times of your life. You do not have to be subjected to bullying," said Neuts, adding that a statistic shows 20,000 students miss school every day because they are afraid of someone or some- thing. "I need your help to stop bullying," he said. He ended the presen- tation by reading a poem written by Miles titled "What is Peace?" and afterwards teachers from all the classes were given candles with "Smile for Miles" writ- ten on them to put in the class as a reminder of Neuts' story. Neuts has appeared before 42,000 people, and has spoken at grade schools, high schools, parental development days, conferences, par- ent teacher groups and service clubs. Rodney Marsh, prin- cipal of Precious Blood school, said that the three schools present at the speech are working together to end bullying by increasing aware- ness as well as getting speakers like Mike Neuts and the Candadian Half -Pints (an anti -bullying group) to talk to their students. "We're also develop- ing strategies with kids and celebrating the good things they do," he said, "and helping them understand that we are all in this together." POLICE BRIEF Crash claims life of Granton woman LONDON — A 67 - year -old Granton woman is dead after her car collided with a pickup truck. The April 6 crash happened northwest of London at the corner of Egremont Drive and Ilderton Road, south of Coldstream. Carole Hudson was airlifted to hospital where she later died. Police say Hudson failed to yield to a pick- up truck heading west on Egremont Drive. JackYoungson, Francis Kinsman, Mariette Bilcke, MargVanstone and Martha Heywood were among those entertained by Bob Heywood Sunday at Queensway Nursing and Retirement Home in Hensall.The entertainment was part of the Volunteer Appreciation Party put on to recognize the work of the numerous vol- unteers who contribute hours to the residents of Queensway. (photo/Pat Bolen) In the spring, you love how it feels outside. Ever wish it felt the same way inside year round? MOM PI ( WOLD TEMP 12:0? PM 441 ME t41J As nice as it may be outside, we can make you feel even better inside with a Dave Lennox SignatureTm Collection home comfort system: • HSX19 air conditioner for the ultimate in quiet, efficient cooling • Indoor air quality products that filter and freshen the air • SignatureStatT"' for precision humidity and temperature control Call us today to ask about these great deals! HEAD FNNDX RATHWELL REFRIGERATION HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING Rathwell Refrigeration 38761 Mill Rd. Stanley TWP Varna, ON NOM 2R0 519-233-3488 Your Bluewater and Surrounding Area Dealer. Up to a $1,000 rebate* with the purchase of a qualifying Dave Lennox SignatureTM Collection home comfort system. i a $10 off 1 a clean & check** With the purchase of selected Lennox products. Offer valid from March 21, 2005 and expires May 31, 2005. F ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year LENNOX) HOME COMFORrSYMMS Innovation never telt sogood.— © ood.— © 2005 Lennox Industries Inc. See your participating Lennox dealer for details. Lennox dealers include independently owned and operated businesses. *One offer available per qualifying purchase. **Service offer applies to new customers only. Fuel Injector Service $7995 Maintenance Service 4e� $4 95t Environmental handling charge may apply. Front -Wheel Alignment $6995 Keep your vehicle in peak condition with our Spring Service Specials and receive a FREE Mopar® Car Care Kit. ONLY AT YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD CHRYSLER, JEEP®, DODGE RETAILER Service, pricing and incentive offers applicable only at participating Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Retailers. Maintenance Service includes up to 5 litres of 5-W30 Mopar Oil. Prices do not include taxes. Retailer may sell for less. Offers effective until June 11, 2005. 'Additional charges may apply for diesel, V10s, HEMI® VBs, fluid disposal, semisynthetic and synthetic fluids. Jeep is a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler Corporation used under licence by DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc. See your participating Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Retailer for complete details. Convenient. Affordable. Jeep [ .D. o.7GE SERVICE We're better. We'II prove it.