THATCHER — An effort to stop bullying in the Gila Valley is expanding into educational scholarships.
The #SaveASkyler effort is offering a scholarship of $1,000 per semester to a student at or planning to attend Eastern Arizona College.
To raise funds for the scholarship, #SaveASkyler is selling branded products, including T-shirts, drink cozies and lanyards.
And organizers announced this year’s Red Out Day — when the T-shirts should be worn — is Wednesday, Sept. 13, which would have been Skyler Wren’s 36th birthday.
#SaveA Skyler was started by Patti Wren, and her son, Mark, in honor of Skyler — Patti’s son and Mark’s brother — who took his own life at age 12 following severe bullying. The program is geared to helping children, teens and adults understand that bullying is unacceptable and to, instead, reach out to others who may be feeling isolated or alone.
#SaveASkyler installed a number of “buddy benches” at area schools and other locations over the years, as a place where positive interactions can take place.
To purchase a #SaveASKyler item, go to Home | #SAVEASKYLER (myt.rocks).
