9-year-old and Lady Gaga receive anti-bullying awards

 
ST. CHARLES, MO (KTVI) – A nine year old who sold tee shirts to help fight bullying was honored Saturday night by the Megan Meier Foundation during its annual Celebration Gala held at the Heart of St. Charles Banquet Center.
Jordan Reynolds is a third grader who learned about anti-bullying efforts from his mixed martial arts teacher Jermaine Andre.  Jordan set up a web site and  by selling tee shirts raised 403 dollars which he donated to the Megan Meier Foundation.
Andre was also honored during the gala for his ongoing efforts to teach kids that bullying is wrong and to help them build up their self-confidence through fitness and mixed martial arts training.
The Megan Meier Foundation honors the memory of Megan Meier, a St. Charles County student who was cyberbullied to the point of committing suicide.  Her mother, Tina Meier operates it.  Meier says the movement is growing. “Students and other adults are really stepping in and saying it is not okay to belittle people; it is not okay to cyberbully people and it is not okay that kids feel there is nowhere to go.”
The Foundation’s marquee award, “The Voice of Inspiration” went to Gary VanMeter, executive Director of Missouri United School Insurance Council for his support of the Megan Meier Foundation in its early years.
Four high school students were honored during the dinner for their efforts in their own schools to fight bullying.  Chloe Nelson, BreAnna Legan, Brooke Blyth and Samantha Caraway each received a scholarship.  Jani Simpson was recognized with “The Voice of Compassion” award.
Well known entertainer Lady Gaga was recognized for her anti-bullying campaign through her “Born This Way” Foundation, although she did not appear at the dinner.
Fox Two’s Sports Director Martin Kilkoyne served as emcee and auctioneer.