Okaloosa County teen wins national bullying prevention award for doing 'the right thing'

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center is pleased to announce that EllaGrace Clinger, a high school student in Okaloosa County, is a recipient of the 8th Annual Unity Awards.

The Unity Awards recognize individuals and groups that empower others to take action, advocate for those who need support or share acts of kindness that cause a ripple effect in their communities. EllaGrace and the other recipients are celebrated on PACER’s website and social media platforms Facebook and Instagram.

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EllaGrace has been working to end bullying since she was in the third grade, when she befriended a classmate with disabilities who was being bullied.

“My mom taught me to do the right thing, even if I have to stand alone,” she said.

Several years ago, EllaGrace researched bullying behavior and decided that she could make a difference. She began to seek out opportunities to make presentations about how students could support those who are bullied and encourage kindness and acceptance, using free materials from PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and some she developed herself.

“Every time someone took a pledge, positively interacted during my presentations or expressed kindness, it inspired me even more,” EllaGrace said. “Even if I have only been able to help just one person, that person’s life matters! I am grateful that the resources from PACER allowed me to make a difference, regardless of whether it helped one person or one thousand people! I realized that what I was doing to spread kindness, bullying prevention, and unity meant more than what I was saying because actions really DO speak louder than words!”

Most recently, EllaGrace spent her birthday at her favorite theme park. Although she was recovering from a car accident and wasn’t able to go on the rides, “It was one of the most fun times I’ve ever had there.”

In a testament to her giving spirit, EllaGrace spent the day randomly giving away more than 500 kindness goody bags she created, filled with princess charms, keychains, and other fun swag.

Julie Hertzog, director of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, commented, “We are honored to have the opportunity to recognize EllaGrace. She is a wonderful role model and her kindness, willingness to speak out, and acceptance of all people makes a difference every day.”

Building on its partnership with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, the Cartoon Network is proud to support this year’s Unity Awards, celebrating the youth recipients who are making a positive impact in their community by showing kindness, promoting acceptance, and encouraging inclusion.

Through its award-winning Stop Bullying: Speak Up initiative, Cartoon Network is partnering with PACER to celebrate these amazing youths, share their inspiring stories, and provide resources and support for all kids who want to redraw their worlds to stop bullying before it starts. Additional partnership elements will be announced later this year.

For more information, visit PACER.org/bullying/getinvolved/unity-awards.asp

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Okaloosa County high schooler wins national bullying prevention award