According to 2013 data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, up to 30% of students are victims of bullying, with 1 in 3 instances occurring at school. The alarming link between bullying and suicide makes victims 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide. This pervasive issue is often overlooked by schools and communities, leading to grave consequences such as truancy, dropout rates, depression, and low self-esteem.

Bullying is a growing concern due to a significant correlation of victims with suicidal thoughts and attempts. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-to-24-year-olds. Studies have revealed that 15% of high school students consider suicide, and 7% attempted it in the previous year due to bullying (Edgerton and Limber, 2013). As a consequence, many victims feel powerless over their lives, getting improper help and suffering in silence.

At Michael’s Bail Bond Co., we understand the profound impact of bullying on students and families. Witnessing tragic incidents of teen suicide in Newport News, VA, related to bullying, we acted. Michael’s Bail Bond Co. owner and Woodside High School alumnus Michael Ryan Crichlow collaborated with bestselling author Justin C. Hart in establishing the $500 anti-bullying scholarship in 2016.

This scholarship is our initiative to combat bullying and provide a platform for high school seniors in Newport News Public Schools to champion anti-bullying efforts within their community.

Applications for the anti-bullying scholarship were open from September 10, 2019, to May 15, 2020. High school seniors in Newport News Public Schools were invited to submit a 750- to 1,000-word essay sharing their bullying experiences and strategies to address it. The authors were kept anonymous to safeguard their identity.

A winner was announced on May 30 through the company’s Facebook and X, formerly Twitter, pages with #WhyBullyVA?

We invite you to join our mission to eradicate bullying and create a safe space for all students. Submit your essay and be a catalyst for change. Together, we can make a difference and inspire a bullying-free future. The anti-bullying scholarship grantee will receive scholarship funds for tuition, books, room and board, and other education-related expenses payable to the college he or she is enrolled in.

Our owner leads the judging process. We eagerly await your submissions and are committed to supporting your educational journey. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Let’s stand united against bullying!