During Bullying Awareness Week, Family Channel encourages viewers to Stand Up to Bullying. Tonight at 5 p.m., the network airs the 2012 Stand Up Rally with performances by Victoria Duffield and Mike Tompkins, and several speakers share their personal experiences with bullying.
One of the speakers is Jacques St. Pierre, whose plan for a powerful anti-bullying assembly drew attention from pop icon Lady Gaga, who sent a personal video message to Jacques and his school in support. Family Channel spoke with Jacques to hear his story in his own words and learn how the moment unfolded.
When asked about the moment that set the assembly in motion, Jacques explains that his candidacy for student council president made him reflect on meaningful changes he wanted at the school. He loved his high school and the open, kind atmosphere there, especially compared with his elementary school, where bullying was more common. His goal was to create an assembly that blended multiple art forms to give students a voice and set a positive example for other schools, so every kid could have a similarly uplifting experience.
Did the outcome meet his expectations? He says he anticipated a powerful, inspirational event. The arrival of Lady Gaga’s video made the concept even stronger. It energized the audience and helped many students imagine a brighter, more connected school environment. It challenged the stereotype that bullying assemblies are dull and helped make the day exciting for everyone present.
What was his reaction to the email from Lady Gaga? It was surreal. He received it around 1 a.m. and briefly doubted it would be real. The subject line read: To Jacques from Lady Gaga. After downloading the video and seeing Gaga on screen, he cried. Her message gave him renewed resolve to refine the assembly and push it to be as powerful as possible. For a school of about a thousand students, her involvement underscored how seriously the issue matters.
Does he still revisit that video? Yes, it sits on his desktop and he watches it whenever he needs encouragement or a reminder of why the message matters.
How did he become involved with Family Channel’s Stand UP! To Bullying Campaign? Family Channel reached out during the planning phase this past summer. A member of his student council recalled a pledge against bullying that had inspired her years earlier and found it fitting to participate now. The channel offers an ideal audience mix of younger children and high school students, strengthening the campaign’s reach and impact. The platform helps ensure the message resonates with the next generation across different age groups.
What does Jacques hope to achieve at the rally? He wants the kids to leave inspired and believing they can stand up for themselves and others. He notes that a single letter to Lady Gaga sparked a larger momentum, and he hopes viewers, especially those watching on TV in November, will feel empowered to act. The more people who stand up, the easier it becomes to deter bullying and create safer, more compassionate schools.
Thank you, Jacques. View Lady Gaga’s video message below and tune in to the Stand UP! Rally tonight at 5 p.m. ET/PT on Family Channel to witness the impact firsthand.