Schools win BullyBlocker Video Showdown

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Six local schools were named winners in the Mobile County District Attorney's BullyBlocker Video Showdown.

The idea was to make a student video to Matt Kennon's song, "You Had to Pick on Me,” and three public and three private schools won a special concert with the country star performing at their schools.  

With a feeling of excitement and accomplishment, students at the Alabama School of Math and Science were thrilled to see Matt Kennon perform live in their auditorium.

"I was bullied at my old school. I was bullied from the time I was in kindergarten until I came here, honestly," Eleventh grader Tyler Gomez said.

Students said they feel they now have a safe haven.

Gomez drew from personal experience to help make the video. 

"I was told I'm not going to go anywhere. I’m not going to be anything. 'You’re fat. You're ugly. You’re not going to find anybody. No one is going to love you,’” he said. “I'm here. I got accepted. When I go to college, I'll be a year ahead of most people. I have a girlfriend I met in middle school, and we've been dating. I'm proof. Don't listen to them. Don't do it."

With his newfound confidence, Gomez urges people to take a stand against bullying.

While including shocking statistics, Sydnee Wood said she wanted to have a voice in the video and perpetuate the anti-bullying message.

“I was bullied all though middle school and high school. I told someone, and it stopped. And people realized what they were doing and the impact it had on my life," Wood said.

Whether, it's physical, mental or emotional, bullying is affecting countless students.

Troy McClain even stopped by with an empowering speech and story of life lessons that encouraged him to make a difference - a message many hope will spread.  

"I’m hoping it brings awareness to kids who may not feel like they can reach out. And maybe they can get help with their bullying because it really does need to be stopped,” said Wood.

St Luke’s Episcopal, McGill Toolen, Baker, Alma Bryant and Theodore were the other winners.

To report bullying, text BullyBlocker at 839863.