NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Emma Farley, an eighth-grader at Albert Leonard Middle School in the City School District of New Rochelle, has been chosen as one of 22 Youth Leaders across the country by the national organization STOMP Out Bullying.
The honor makes her a high-profile ambassador for anti-bullying initiatives.
“STOMP Out Bullying Youth Leaders are established student activists and leaders serving as representatives of the organization speaking to schools and the media, and attending conferences throughout the country,” said Ross Ellis, founder and Chief Executive of the organization. “They are the voice of STOMP Out Bullying in their local communities and they are able to make a massive impact on both a local and national level.”
Farley already serves as one of ALMS’s Safe School Ambassadors, another anti-bullying initiative, and says she likes to help her peers feel like they belong.
“If you try to make sure everyone is having a good time in school, your friends are happy and it creates this really friendly and caring environment, which is what everyone wants,” she said.
Farley was notified of her selection over the February school break.
In choosing Youth Leaders, STOMP Out Bullying looks for teenagers who have demonstrated public achievements and excellent grades and who are “leaders in their schools and communities (with) a track record of speaking in public,” the organization’s website says. Farley will take the torch from New Rochelle High School senior Jazz Jenkins, who will graduate in June.
Farley has developed public speaking skills as a member of the Model UN since sixth grade. She is looking forward to honing them further in the new role. She is also eager to spread the anti-bullying message through social media channels, another avenue Youth Leaders take.
ALMS Principal John Barnes said he was thrilled to see Farley chosen for the position.
“Emma is an absolute joy,” Barnes said. “She is one of the most well-rounded students I have ever had the privilege of working with. She is a scholar, artist, athlete, up-stander, and a truly thoughtful and caring young woman. We are proud of Emma and know this is just the beginning of many milestone moments ahead.”
That’s great !
She is a super nice person !
Well deserved !