To students who play in Columbia Middle School's band, creating a positive culture at school is just as important as making incredible music. "We just want to make the world a better place," said band member Maryjane Posey.
Being in the band, Maryjane, or "MJ" as she likes to be called, has also had the opportunity to join the Tri-M Music Honor Society where she serves as the Historian.
Tri-M's role at the school is to give students leadership experiences where they can make an impact on daily school life. Each year, the Tri-M members design a project to help someone in their community or sometimes their entire school.
For this year's project, MJ and her fellow Tri-M members landed on promoting an anti-bullying message for the whole school. They first raised money from their families to purchase a banner for all Columbia students to sign. They also raised funds to buy silicone bracelets with anti-bullying messages.
During a recent lunch period for each grade, the Tri-M members invited their fellow Columbia Cougars to sign the banner as a pledge to never bully anyone at school. Students who signed the banner received a free bracelet with one of several inspiring messages like "Niceness is Priceless" or "Stand Up & Speak Out."
The banner will hang inside the school as a constant reminder of the students' pledge. MJ said she hopes the banner and the bracelets will serve as visual reminders of the importance of treating everyone kindly. "It really brings out the positive energy and it helps us feel more positive and feel good about people not bullying," she said.