Representatives of Seward Middle School brought a Purple Hands poster to The Cattle National Bank and Trust Sept. 27. Pictured are, from left, Ryne Seaman of Cattle Bank, Daniel Buss, Grace Smetter and Lauren Johnson, eighth graders and student council officers at SMS, Steve Schrad, SMS principal, and Rick Weatherholt, SMS counselor.

by Stephanie Croston

    Seward Middle School students are saying the pledge every morning.
     After the Pledge of Allegiance, the students repeat, "I will not use my hands or my words for hurting myself or others."
     The pledge is part of an anti-bullying campaign. It uses purple hands because purple is "used to honor and remember victims and survivors of abuse and violence," according to The Hands Project's website.
     The open hand represents stop, reminding people to stop and think before saying or doing anything hurtful.
     The red heart in the middle represents the pain caused by hurtful words or actions, the website said.
     Grace Smetter, SMS student council president and eighth grader, said it's hard to remember to put the pledge into practice. However, reciting the pledge daily is a good reminder.
     "We're more of an example," she said. "We have to make sure we're doing it."
     Lauren Johnson, student council vice president, said it's easier to remember this year.
     "Since we're eighth graders, we have to be an example to the younger students," she said.
     Daniel Buss, student council secretary and also an eighth grader, said the pledge can be used anywhere, including at sporting events.
     Lauren said they would like to get the surrounding schools to participate in the Purple Hands Project, as well.
     Purple Hands Project posters are displayed in five businesses and two clubs, helping to create awareness of bullying. Steve Schrad, SMS principal, said he got the idea from a middle school principal in Grand Island and implemented it last year.
     "Bullying is a huge issue at the middle school," Schrad said. "This creates awareness."
     He said students should not be afraid to talk to teachers about bullying.
     "They should understand it's the victim that causes retaliation," he said.
     The Cattle National Bank and Trust is one of the businesses displaying a Purple Hands poster. Ryne Seaman, bank president, said they were glad to provide some visibility for the students.
     "We do care what's going on in the system," he said.
     Any business that would like to display a Purple Hands poster should contact Schrad at 643-2986.
     More information on the project is available at www.handsproject.org.