PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Parent Efforts Prompt MTV DJ to perform

at STEAM Academy

In support of Anti-bullying campaign

Benton Harbor, MI

On Monday, March 4^th at 1:30 PM, the students at STEAM Academy in Benton Harbor Michigan will be treated to an anti-bully music performance by NerveDjs own DJBigO317 and MTV's Kcane Marko.

In the fall, teachers and staff set out to make changes to the climate and culture at the school and parents eagerly joined. Parents of the school, alongside staff, organized and funded a Valentine's Day dance at the end of the school day that was only open to students that had demonstrated positive, respectful, non-aggressive behavior since the fall.  Over 290 students out of about 400 were invited and remarked how it was the best dance ever.

"In my 19 years with the district, it was unlike any dance that I have ever experienced," says Principal April Margaritis.  "The students had fun, felt safe and look forward to being invited to the next dance."  The dance prompted behaviors from students that allowed the teachers and staff to have fun together and build strong trusting relationships.  Building these relationships is important so students who experience or witness acts of aggression will say something and get help.

The DJ at the dance was so moved by what he saw, he contacted friends in the music industry and they took notice.

With 30 years in the music industry, affiliated with NerveDJs, DjBigO317 Oliver Jackson of Southbend, Indiana joins forces with Mtv's own Kcane Markco of St. Louis as they sweep the country side with their Anti-Bullying campaign.

They visit different elementary, middle, high schools, and colleges addressing the student body on bullying and harassment. Letting the students know, "That it's cool to be in school, it's not cool to be a bully in school!"

The program is suitable for all ages!!! "Our focus is to build awareness before any tragedies strike!" 

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