In a recent anti-bullying forum organized by Assessstar, students gathered to discuss the critical issues surrounding bullying in schools. The event featured Miss Shalini, Miss Nevada and a prominent anti-bullying advocate, who served as a panelist and keynote speaker. Her insights, drawn from personal experiences and advocacy work, resonated deeply with the 75 students in attendance, inspiring them to engage in meaningful dialogue about bullying.

Ethan Kelly, a student at John Jay High School and a volunteer with the SSSTAR initiative, expressed a desire to further this conversation by proposing a dialogue with Miss Nevada in collaboration with the Board of Education. This initiative aims to create a safe space for students to voice their concerns about bullying, addressing barriers related to race, religion, ethnicity, social status, and age.

The proposed event is scheduled for Friday, November 8th, and will include a one-hour discussion on bullying, featuring a question-and-answer segment. The goal is to foster an atmosphere of respect and acceptance, encouraging students to confront bullying and promote kindness within their school community. Kelly emphasized that Miss Nevada's message of resilience and compassion could serve as a powerful catalyst for change, motivating students to stand against bullying and support one another.