Board recognizes college freshman for his work to eliminate bullying at Steinbrenner High School
In 2009, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners created the Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee (A.B.A.C.) to develop a comprehensive strategy to address bullying in the community.
After its founding, the committee established the Anti-Bullying Recognition Award, which goes to a young person or group of young people up to age 19 to highlight their efforts to eliminate bullying.
During the Oct. 2 meeting of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, the Board honored Nicholas DeCastro as the recipient of the 2024 Anti-Bullying Recognition Award. Eliah Ewing from Winward Wealth Management and a sponsor of the Annual Anti-Bullying Recognition Award also presented his annual special gift to the winner.
While finishing his senior year at Steinbrenner High School, DeCastro became aware of a group of freshmen who were bullying other students on campus.
After receiving approval from his teachers and the school resource officer, he took the lead among a group of seniors and performed a series of actions to help curtail bullying at the school, such as providing examples of how to respect one another and mentoring students on an individual basis.
The bullying at the school stopped as a result of his leadership and actions. Presently a freshman at Florida Gulf Coast University, DeCastro is interested in pursuing a career in professional sports photography or law enforcement.
As he received his award, DeCastro thanked the Board and said that standing up to bullying isn't easy, but it is vital to take action in order to create a safer environment.
"I hope our efforts inspire others to step in when they see something wrong," he said.
The Board also presented a proclamation declaring October 2024 as Youth Justice Action Month and a commendation to Film Tampa Bay
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