by Kate MacLeod

On Friday, October 24, Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) students and staff took part in the “Walk a Mile in Someone Else’s Shoes” event, organized by the counseling team. This year’s theme was CommUNITY, in honor of Bullying Prevention Month. Participants were encouraged to wear orange to show their support for kindness, inclusion, and respect, as orange is the national color for unity. 

The event began with a school-wide assembly led by School Counselor Stephanie Kadden, who spoke about empathy through storytelling. Six brave students shared personal stories about themselves, offering their peers a chance to see the world from their perspectives. Before the walk, Ms. Kadden encouraged the ORMS community to reflect on the stories they had heard, think about their own experiences, and consider how empathy grows from understanding. She also reminded students to pay attention to the special messages placed along the route. 

As students made their way along the one-mile route affectionately nicknamed the Bagel Route around the middle school and high school, they encountered signs displaying statistics about bullying and inspiring quotes encouraging kindness, inclusion, and understanding. Many participants proudly wore orange and made signs to show solidarity and community. 

After the walk, students returned to their advisory groups to reflect on the experience. Discussions centered on the stories shared during the assembly, what stood out to students, and what their own stories might be, with an optional opportunity to share. Students also reflected on the messages about bullying and the quotes they saw along the walk. Together, advisories explored how each person can contribute to building a stronger and more empathetic community. 

ORMS School Counselor Rheanna Cote shared her perspective on the event. 

“Our stories matter,” she said. “Friday provided a powerful opportunity to remind each of us that we all live complicated lives. When we pause and try to understand other people’s experiences, compassion and patience grow. Middle school is a time where so many students are navigating struggle, whether it is academic, social, emotional, at home or at school. We want to engage our students in developing empathy so that school can feel like a safe space for everyone.” 

The event gave students and staff time to connect, reflect, and consider how empathy shapes their community. 

Students make their way past the high school during the “Walk a Mile in Someone Else’s Shoes” event.