To stand up to wrongdoing around you and to do the right thing is a path that we all dream about and in our hearts, know we have to do. Yet so few have the courage to stand up to the challenge of doing what is right in certain situations.
Willowcreek Middle School student Noah Brehmer has done just that. Tired of seeing negative things happen around him Brehmer took it upon himself to bring awareness to the negative effects bullying has on students.
"My energy to stop bullying comes from my past," says Brehmer. "I don't like to see people get hurt, I want to show all of the kids that are going through bullying that someone will stand up for them."
Brehmer was born in South Haven and is a busy student being an active member of his school's band playing the baritone sax and being a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He is also a left tackle for their football team.
Brehmer, a victim of bullying took it upon himself to prevent bullying from happening to other students at Willowcreek Middle School. He created an anti-bullying video that ended up being shown to the school's staff and students. Brehmer also created his own slogan: Stomp on Bullying to help spread his awareness program around the school as well as creating a large sign to be displayed at the school.
"I've been bullied as long as I can remember," says Brehmer. "Even though my past hurts, I know from past experiences that bullies are often being bullied themselves. I just want them to know that you're hurting others and causing them pain in the long run."
Brehmer's past has turned into a massive positive point in his life. The teachers and principal at Willowcreek Middle School have shown incredible support for Brehmer's program and Brehmer is even interested in expanding the program to younger students in Portage.
"I would be extremely happy to get my message out there to more people," says Brehmer. "I especially would like to appeal to students in 6th grade and even younger since they are still impressionable and eager to listen and learn about interaction with other students."
In the end, Brehmer looks to the future in a positive light and with a renewed hope against anti-bullying. Through his experiences, he hopes to be the person there for others when no one else will be.
"For everyone going through bullying right now, I want them to know that they have to hang in there," says Brehmer. "I want them to know that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and no matter what you are going through there will always be someone there to pick you up in the end."