When we were in Arizona, Jer told us about a local story of one kid making a difference. It happened at the local high school in Queen Creek. There was a 16 year old girl, Chy Johnson, who had a brain disorder. She was being bullied. They were even throwing trash at her. She was coming home from school every day crying. The administration and the teachers were not doing anything.
Her mom, not knowing what else to do, called Carson Johnson. He was in her ward. She just wanted to know if he could get some names for her. He said that he would take care of it. He also happened to be the captain of the football team who are going to state this year. He called a team meeting that night and explained that they were going to protect Chy. They would follow her to class and sit by her. She would sit with them at lunch. The team was not going to allow the bullying anymore. No one opted out.
They said what followed was amazing. The bullying stopped. They set the example for the school in a positive way. Chy, now calls them her boys and goes to every game. The story even made ESPN. No one could believe that the answer was so simple. The popular guys standing up for what was right.
Most of this team are seniors this year. Someone asked what was going to happen next year when they were gone. Carson's younger brother, who is also on the team, replied "I've got it."
Everytime I think of this story I get choked up. Isn't it amazing what a difference one person can make? Not only did he change Chy's life, but he changed the attitude at the school and around the nation as others began to realize the difference that they could make by making a stand for what was right. This young man was also a latter day saint. He honored his priesthood by looking out for someone less fortunte. I hope that my boys realize the influence that they can have on others. I hope they always will make that stand for the right.
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