Tag Archives: school violence

Oklahoma Horizon TV, Uncategorized

On the Horizon: Bully Pulpit Part 2

Over my career I have interviewed presidents, celebrities, and some of our world’s greatest thinkers. But I can tell you, none of those interviews were any more powerful than the one I had this week with Kirk Smalley.

Mr. Smalley is the father of Ty Smalley, the 11-year-old Perkins, Oklahoma boy who committed suicide in response to repeated bullyings at school. One can only imagine how devastating such a tragedy could be, but rather than retreat into the pain and remorse of his son’s death Kirk Smalley started an anti-bullying effort that is growing worldwide.

I can’t imagine a more effective spokesperson on bullying…because he is what he is… a good ole’ country boy from rural Oklahoma, who had his life turned upside down. Part 2 of his story is a tough one to watch, but one I believe every child, parent, grandparent, and teacher should.
Rob McClendon

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: School Violence

1 Comment

The scene was eerily real. Weapons and police as far as the eye could see. Luckily it was a mock scenario, but the reality is it happens all too often. School shootings have been on the rise and schools everywhere are taking a stand.

Schools in Oklahoma are joining together with emergency response teams to conduct life-like scenarios that will prove to be life saving. I was amazed at the attention to detail and levels of communication both school officials and emergency personnel demonstrated. Practicing how to act during an emergency may sound silly, but in this week’s video blog, after two days of speeches and drills you’ll soon realize how important it is.

Courtenay Dehoff