(BROOKSVILLE, FL)  – Following his visit to the Springstead High School Anti-Bullying Rally, Rep. Rich Nugent (FL-05) issued the following statement.:

“I had the honor of attending an anti-bullying rally at Springstead High School this morning.  Four hundred and eighty-two high school juniors representing the entire junior class have signed a pledge against bullying and have made it their mission to bring attention to this important issue. I believe they will exhibit the courage to live up to the pledge they have made.

“I also want to recognize Tod Leiweke and the Tampa Bay Lighting for their efforts in combating bullying in our schools.  They have brought resources and attention to this issue and should be commended for it.  

“Studies show that kids who bully others are four times more likely to end up in jail at some point during their lives.  We’ve also got roughly 160,000 children staying home from school every day in this country for fear of being bullied.  As a former Sheriff and the husband of a high school teacher, I can tell you that both of these things are devastating to our community.  We need to stop the bullying.  The Springstead High School Eagles and the Tampa Bay Lightening are doing their part and I just want to thank them for that.”
 

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