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Tilson recognizes accomplishments of anti-bullying ODSS student

March 23, 2017   ·   1 Comments

By Jasen Obermeyer

Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilson rose in the House of Commons last week to recognize the work of Scott Smith and his dedication to putting an end to bullying in the community.

“Mr. Speaker, I’m very proud to rise today to recognize the accomplishments of a young leader in my riding,” Mr. Tilson said.  “Scott Smith is a 10th grade student at Orangeville District Secondary School and he lives with Asperger’s Syndrome. Scott was bullied as a young boy and has since dedicated himself to combating bullying.”

He added, “In grade 5, Scott developed a website to poll students on bullying, hosted an anti-bullying t-shirt design contest, and raised funds to bring guest speakers to his school to educate students on the effects of bullying. Scott’s education program has reduced incidents of bullying at Belfountain Public School by 50 percent. Schools in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Kentucky, and Colorado have expressed interest in Scott’s program.”

“Scott is currently developing a community unity program, which aims to bring the local police and the community together to put an end to bullying. Please join me in congratulating Scott and wishing him well on his future endeavours,” Mr. Tilson concluded.

In an interview with the Citizen, Mr. Tilson said his speech got a standing ovation, and  “members from all sides stood up.”   

Mr. Tilson said he found it remarkable when Scott began the program in elementary school and he should be honoured and thanked for the work he has done.

“Bullying is a social problem in our schools, it’s a social problem everywhere,” Mr. Tilson noted.

ODSS Principal Bill Lenny said what Scott has been doing is fantastic.

“I think Scott has shown some initiative and he’s getting some recognition for it, and he’s obviously addressing a very current and timely problem,” said Mr. Lenny.

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