LIZZIE SIDER PRESENTS ANTI-BULLYING PROGRAM (OKEECHOBEE NEWS)

On March 19, the Cypress School at Okeechobee Girls Academy welcomed Lizzie Sider to campus. Lizzie is a 15-year old country singer-songwriter from Boca Raton who toured the state of Florida presenting her anti-bullying program to schools during the months of January, February and March. Lizzie shared with the girls her experiences being bullied which inspired her song, “Butterfly.” The lyrics to Lizzie’s song,“Butterfly” tell her story of being bullied and how she moved beyond being bullied to success.

The ”Butterfly” is something the girls are used to seeing as butterflies decorate the campus from the moment you walk on to it. Lizzie was shocked to see all the butterflies and quickly learned that the “Butterfly” is the program mascot. Girls are considered to be caterpillars as they come into the programs and grow into butterflies as they transition throuth the program and discharge.

Between Lizzie’s songs, the girls shared some of their stories and experiences with her. They discussed how it feels to be butterflies and what it is to be a bully.

Prior to her arrival, Lizzie sent bracelets to the school for all students, teachers and staff. The bracelets ewre colorful and adorned with the words “Nobody has the power to ruin yur day”. Lizzie shared with the students that those were the very words her father told her when she did not want to go back to school when she was being bullied.

To conclude the assembly, all joined Lizzie in a rambunctious round of singing her song “Butterfly.” After the assembly, Lizzie took pictures with the students individually and signed autographed pictures for them.

The students, teachers and staff of the Cypress School and Okeechobee Girls Academy wish Lizzie well as she takes her program to Texas in April.