Star Champions & Ambassadors
Our Star Champions use their influence to build awareness about how to recognize bullying and how to prevent it. Our Ambassadors are trained to speak to kids and school teams about the issue of bullying and how to create an environment that prevents it.
Mackenzie Aladjem
Star Champion - Actor, Showtime's "Nurse Jackie"
Mackenzie “Mackie” Aladjem has made her mark in the entertainment business as the “one to watch,” appearing in critically acclaimed projects and bringing characters to life on stage, in film and on television. For six seasons, Mackenzie was seen as Edie Falco’s daughter Fiona Peyton on the award winning Showtime series, “Nurse Jackie.” In 2011, Mackenzie won her first Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series for her work on the show, and in 2012 was a nominee in the same category. In 2013, “Nurse Jackie” and its ensemble cast was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
Born and raised in Southern California, Mackie got her start in the entertainment industry at the age of seven as Molly in the National Broadway Tour of “Annie.” A natural performer, she loved every second of being on stage and was a stand out as the youngest orphan. Mackie went on to land her first TV guest starring role in 2007 on the hit CBS series “CSI: Miami.” She quickly booked a handful of recurring and guest star roles on many series including “The Middle,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “About a Boy,” “Parenthood,” “Criminal Minds” and over 50 episodes of “All My Children.”
In films, Mackenzie made her feature film debut as Matthew McConaughey’s daughter in “The Lincoln Lawyer,” then landed a role in Judd Apatow’s “This Is 40,” followed with a lead in the independent film, “Time Toys.”
“I am excited about working with Champions Against Bullying to help educate and empower others, so that every child has the opportunity to enjoy and flourish in their childhood years.”
Instagram: @mackenzie_aladjem
Twitter: @mackieealadjem
Facebook: Mackenzie Aladjem
Kylan Bain
Star Champion - Entrepreneur, The Difference Maker Movement
Kylan Bain, from Westminster Colorado, is just a normal kid who enjoys hanging out with friends, playing sports, and playing guitar. When Kylan was 5 years old, his parents wanted him to understand the differences in the world and to be grateful for all that he had. That lesson turned into a challenge, when Kylan’s parents got him a pen pal in Uganda Africa. Kylan was encouraged to do something to make a difference in his pen pal, Haruna’s life. That something
started with a lemonade stand and quickly turned into a project of collecting and recycle scrap metal.
In 2014, when Kylan was 9 years old, he started sharing his vision to help his pen pal. Later that year, Kylan was given the gift of a lifetime to travel to Uganda and meet Haruna. Now 12 years old, Kylan has been wanting to tell his story, which led to him starting The Difference Maker Movement (www.iamthedifferencemaker.org). You can see his journey here.
Kylan’s desire is to show others that no matter your age or income, you can make a difference to someone. It could be someone in your neighborhood, in your school, or around the world. Now Kylan is trying to spread the word and help others to become Difference Makers.
One way that Kylan is a Difference Maker is by joining the Champions Against Bullying (CAB) and “helping raise awareness about how working together, we can put an end to bullying.”
FB: @IamtheDifferenceMaker
G+: The Difference Maker Movement
YouTube: The Difference Maker Movement
http://www.iamthedifferencemaker.org
Zach Callison
Star Champion - Actor, Musician, ABC's "The Goldbergs"
Zach Callison’s accomplishments include, class of 2009/10 “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader,” “Hannah-Montana,” “Perfect Couples” and “I’m in the Band.” Zach also held a regular role as Ian, on three seasons of “Diary of a Single Mom” (web series) directed by Robert Townsend. Zach received a “Breakthrough Performance” nomination for this role from the 2009 Indie Soap Awards. Watch for Zach in the upcoming films “Rock Jocks” and “White Trash Christmas.”
Zach frequently provides voices for a number of characters. In Warner Bros.’ Captain Marvel, Zach voiced Billy Batson and as Arthur Baywoesenthal on Scooby-Doo, Mystery Inc. “Song of Mystery.” He has voiced the character of Matthew Parker on the long time radio program “Adventures in Odyssey” for three years. He had the amazing experience of voicing over the character Douglas from C.S. Lewis’s “Shadowlands” for BBC radio, England. Zach has voiced characters for Cartoon Network’s Sym-Bionic Titan and Nickelodeon’s “Legend of Korra.” He has recently completed 24 episodes in the role of Prince James for Disney’s new show “Sofia the First.” The feature length movie will air this Fall. Zach has also worked in several commercials in L.A. for Comcast, Sony and Burger King to name a few.
While in Los Angeles, Zach has continued to work on his singing/performing/piano skills. He can be seen on the video “If the Earth Could Speak” performed by a number of Disney/Nick stars to raise funds for ChildFund International. Zach has recently added song writing to his list of skills and will be going into the studio soon to record with his band Delirium.
When not working or schooling, Zach enjoys a good book, playing video games with his friends and even better, a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game (St. Louis is his hometown)! He is also an avid traveler and has traveled to over ten countries. This past summer, Zach spent a month at The American School In Switzerland, (TASIS) studying Italian.
Zach was recently named Youth Ambassador for Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. He takes his responsibility to educate his peers seriously about the preservation of the oceans and marine wildlife.
He has also just joined forces with Champions Against Bullying as a Star Champion to bring awareness and education surrounding this highly prevalent issue. Zach has had the opportunity to play both a bully and the bullied in his acting career and has experienced both sides through art. He hopes his partnership will help to educate his peers how to deal with the issue if they are bullied or find themselves witnessing an incident.
Website: www.zachcallison.com
Twitter: @ZachCallison
Garrett Clayton
Star Champion - Actor, Singer, Dancer, "Hairspray Live!"
Garrett Clayton is best known for his starring role as "Tanner," the sun-bleached surf star, in the hit Disney film "Teen Beach Movie." The sequel, "Teen Beach Movie 2" will hit screens in summer 2015. Clayton will also take the lead in the feature film Don't Hang Up, also due in 2015.
A trained actor, singer and dancer,his television credits include a recurring role on ABC Family's hit series "The Fosters" and guest-star roles on series like Lifetime's "The Client List" and Disney Channel's "Jessie" and "Shake It Up."He also played the lead opposite Ralph Macchio in the Lifetime TV movie "Holiday Spin," a role that lead the Huffington Post to call him "a real find." Some of Clayton's other credits include the independent films "Love, Gloria"and "What's Wrong with Virginia?
”Born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Clayton performed in regional theater productions of "High School Musical 2," "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown," "Peter Pan" and "Beauty and the Beast." He has also appeared in numerous print ads and has modeled for companies including Guess.
“I’m proud to represent Champions Against Bullying. I admire and support all their amazing workshops and initiatives, and am excited to help end bullying. Keep it going, CAB!”
Twitter: @garrettclayton1
IG: @garrettclayton1
Griffin Cleveland
Star Champion - Actor, "Time Toys"
Griffin Cleveland is no stranger to the screen. An accomplished actor, Griffin was selected as the “Pampers Baby” at the tender age of 13 months. He quickly worked his way up to over 30 national commercials, television appearances in “Castle,” “Bones,” “Criminal Minds,” “Lie to Me,” and “Desperate Housewives,” multiple television pilots and feature films including “The Gambler.” In Mark Rosman's upcoming “Time Toys,” Griffin plays Matt, his most exciting lead role to date.
Griffin plays for the Burbank Viking Football Team as their star wide receiver and defensive back. Along with his countless hours of acting, Griffin enjoys spending many hours playing sports and volunteering at his church.
“Champions against Bullying heightens awareness to a growing problem in schools and provides the tools to combat it. Everyone has been bullied at one time or another and it makes you feel terrible. We need to be a voice for those that feel like they don't have one.
“If you stand by and watch someone get bullied and do nothing, that's just like you doing it yourself. So stand up for those who feel like they can't stand up for themselves!”
Instagram: @griffincleveland
Twitter: @GriffCleveland
Snapchat: gbcleveland
Maryann Connolly
Star Champion - Singer, Model, Host
Exceptional teen talent, Maryann Connolly, recently released her own anti-bullying original song "ZANY," at the famed New York City Couture Fashion Week.
Maryann's accomplishments include, singer/model at Couture Fashion Week for the past two seasons, guest performer at the prestigious Fashion Night on Brickell, in Miami Florida 2015, continuing guest appearances on "Street Chicks" and "Chickletts," CTN10 Network and is a Featured National Anthem singer for Florida Miracle Baseball.
She still finds time to be a straight "A" student and a member of the National Junior Honor Society for Challenger Middle School in Cape Coral Florida. Every facet of the arts has influenced Maryann's successes both in school and out.
One of Maryann's favorite sayings is from the movie Princess Diaries, a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, "Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." 'Middle School is tough and we all need to stick together," Maryann says. She knows how being bullied feels and is honored to be a Star Champion and help support Champions Against Bullying.
Website: maryannconnolly.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mareconnolly
Instagram: @maryannconnolly
Becky Curran
Ambassador - Motivational Speaker, Inclusion Advocate
With a B of Sc Marketing degree in hand, Becky Curran moved to Los Angeles and landed a job at Creative Artists Agency, one of Hollywood's top talent agencies. She followed up with a move to CBS Television Studios, as a casting assistant for pilots and television series.
Her passion to find a way to change how little people and all people with differences are perceived in the media led Becky to pursue motivational speaking. In November 2013, she spent time in Kenya assisting with the launch of The Association of People with Dwarfism which led to more acceptance along with educational and job opportunities for people with dwarfism. She currently resides in New York City.
"Just because someone may look different, doesn't mean that they want to be treated differently. Bullying continues to be a problem in today's global society. It needs to stop and every walk of life deserves to be treated equally. I want the next generation of little people and everyone else to live in a bully free world. I feel honored to serve as Ambassador for Champions Against Bullying, to help provids an opportunity to work towards the goal of a bully free world, starting with schools."
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckycurran
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeckyCurranSpeaker
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/beckymotivates
Instagram: https://instagram.com/beckymotivates
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/beckycurran
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/beckymotivates
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+BeckyCurranSpeaker
Lauren Dair
Star Champion - Singer, Songwriter, Stagelight Winner, Actress, FOX's "New Girl"
Lauren Dair Owens is an actress, radio host and musical artist. She is currently in a recurring role on the FOX hit "New Girl," where she plays young Jess. In addition to acting, she hosts an Internet radio show called “Beyond The Spotlight.” Every week, Lauren interviews actors and musicians where they discuss their work in front of and beyond the spotlight. In addition, Lauren is the lead singer and bass player for the band Gravity Hill. The band performs throughout Southern California and does a lot of charity work supporting such causes as childhood bullying, cancer, hearing loss and autism.
I am so happy to be working with Champions Against Bullying! I grew up watching friends get bullied because they were different and never really could do anything to stop it. I didn't get bullied but just hearing stories from friends about bullying incidents that happened at their schools made my skin crawl. I want to be a part of something bigger. I want to have a voice.
www.reverbnation.com/gravityhillmusic
(this is some of Lauren's music).
I am also attaching a song that has a great anti-bullying message Stereotype which was co-written by Lauren with Ashley Poole from the group Dream.
Website: www.laurendairowens.com
Twitter: @laurendairowens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurendair
Instagram: @laurendair
Reverb Nation: www.reverbnation.com/laurendairowens
Samuel Gilbert
Star Champion - Actor, FOX's "New Girl"
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Samuel began acting when he was 8 years old. With a passion for stand up comedy, he has performed at both the Los Angeles and Las Vegas world renowned Improv Comedy Clubs.
He is best known for his recurring role as Young Schmidt in hit FOX television series, “New Girl.” Watch for Sam in the film, “Time Toys,” as Mel, one of four kids who is bullied, to be released in May 2016.
Samuel’s film and television credits also include “About A Boy,” “Conan,” “The Jeselnik Offensive,” “Larry Gaye: Male Flight Attendant” and Nickelodeon's “See Dad Run,” to name a few. Most recently, Sam co-starred in WB's hit show, “The Middle.” Catch him in commercials for Farmers Insurance, Krylon Paint and State Farm as the “Cheesehead Kid.”
When he's not working or in school, he likes hanging out with his friends and playing video games. Sam is part of the SAG Foundation's Looking Ahead Leadership Program where teens get together and help the community through volunteer projects.
“I am proud to become a part of Champions Against Bullying as a Star Champion and help heighten awareness on prevention that is so important to kids and teens. In a previous school, I experienced bullying first hand and I hope this partnership will help kids know there is a place to get help.”
http://www.samuelgilbert.com
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5377523/
https://twitter.com/iamsamtheactor
https://instagram.com/iamsamtheactor/
Hunter Greene
Star Champion - Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds
Christian Hunter Greene is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds organization. He attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California. The Reds selected Greene with the second overall selection of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft.
Hunter is very close with his parents, brother and sister, Ethan and Libriti Greene. Libriti is a cancer survivor.
“I’m excited about my partnership with Champions Against Bullying. Bullying is a serious epidemic that impacts too many students worldwide, prevents students from doing their best at school and can change their lives forever. I believe Champions Against Bullying is the perfect organization for me to partner with because they are sincere about making a difference and have the longest standing reputation in making that difference.”
“As the first teen athlete to receive eduPOWERED’s Anti-Bullying HERO Award, I am humbled. It’s a serious honor and I’m passionate to accept the responsibilities that come with that honor in order to help change the lives of others.”
“World Champions are kind to others and I’m a World Champion, and a Champion Against Bullying.” #WorldChampionsRkind2others
Twitter: @HunterGreene17
Instagram: huntergreene_17
Facebook: Hunter Greene
Natalie Hampton
Star Champion - Founder/App Developer, "Sit With Us," TEDxTeen
Natalie Hampton is a Los Angeles high school junior, anti-bullying activist, app developer and the founder of Sit With Us, Inc. Natalie was severely bullied in middle school and was forced to eat lunch alone nearly every day. After switching schools and quickly falling in with a great friend group, she would invite anyone who was eating alone to join her lunch table. They not only became her friends, but friends with everyone in the group and were included in social gatherings. She saw that one simple act of kindness made a big difference in their lives, inspiring her to create the Sit With Us mobile app. It serves as a free lunch planning tool for middle and high school kids so that no one has to eat lunch alone. Kids can use the app’s features to coordinate lunches with their friends. They can also volunteer to be Sit With Us Ambassadors for their schools and post open lunch events on campus so that anyone looking for a table to join can find one.
The app has been featured by Apple under “New Apps We Love” in the App Store, has been downloaded by 30,000+ people in just three weeks, and has garnered the attention and acclaim of international media and press.
In addition, Natalie volunteers extensively for her community and is a member of several prestigious programs including Davidson Young Scholars, Profoundly Gifted Retreat, Johns Hopkins University’s Center For Talented Youth, as well as Mensa.
Natalie has been actively involved in school theater productions since 7th grade and studied acting and improv both in and outside of school. She is self-taught on piano and guitar, loves photography and creative writing and has a passion for filmmaking.
“I believe that real change starts with us - the students. Once a victim of bullying, I have created a tool whereby students can come together at lunch so that no one eats alone. I believe that something as seemingly small as lunch can incrementally change the overall dynamic of a school community, so that everyone feels welcome and included. I am extremely honored to be a Star Champion, and I am really excited to partner with Champions Against Bullying so that together, we can help as many kids as possible.
http://www.sitwithus.io
Facebook: @sitwithus.io
Twitter: @nobodyeatsalone
IG: @sit.with.us
Nadine Hohnke
Ambassador - Marketing Analyst, Public Service Credit Union
Nadine is 25 years old and a graduate of Eastern Michigan University College of Business. She is currently a marketing analyst for Public Service Credit Union located in Romulus, MI. She grew up in Canada loving to perform whether it be in shows acting, singing or dancing and now lives in Michigan with her amazing husband and stepdaughter.
Nadine is SO happy to be working with Champions Against Bullying and thinks the cause is just so important in today’s day and age!
“I have seen what the effects of bullying can do to people first hand. It is devastating to those targeted and their families to see someone they love going through the turmoil it brings. My brother and his history with being bullied is my biggest motivation for wanting to be a part of this beautiful cause and I can’t thank Champions Against Bullying enough for the opportunity to come on board as an ambassador!”
Kari Lynch
Star Champion - Singer, Songwriter
A musician and songwriter, Kari Lynch has spent her life performing. She began writing songs at age 7 and has been writing since. Carrying her love for writing and music past high school, she recently graduated with a degree in Writing from Grand Valley State University. Kari also studied music and recording technology at GRCC in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
She is currently the lead singer, songwriter, and manager of the Kari Lynch Band and has released three EP’s all of which she wrote/co-wrote the songs. Her first EP held a spot on iTunes New and Noteworthy list for six weeks and her latest EP with the Kari Lynch Band is receiving radio play on several stations and 5-star ratings. Her band has opened for the likes of Miranda Lambert, The Band Perry, Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert, and many more major label artist and played some of the largest country festivals to name including, The B-93 Birthday Bash, where Kari and her band played to a crowd of 50,000+
Kari spends her time touring with her band and writing, making frequent trips to Nashville, TN to do both. She serves as a mentor for "Kids Hope"- an organization committed to serving "at risk" children across the United States of America. Her latest project includes acting in, co-writing, and producing an Independent film titled "One", that recently began production in January 2013.
I'm interested in joining CAB because bullying is a serious problem and I think more light needs to be shed on this terrible problem that so many children go through in school.
I think sometimes parents, teachers, coaches and other responsible adults tend to brush it off thinking that it is just "something that kids do," "it's not that serious," or "they'll grow out of it." The reality is that we have kids committing suicide, lashing out, and being placed in an unsafe environment where they are unable to succeed and thrive. This is wrong. I want to help any way that I can to shed light on how dangerous and serious bullying really is, and to hopefully help put an end to this behavior in kids. It starts at home with parents teaching kids what is right and what is wrong and how they should treat other people. It starts with compassion and understanding of one another. Bullying IS a serious problem.
I especially like that CAB focuses on and understands how important a child's environment is to their success, on every level. If a child is constantly scared or worried, they are not going to be able to perform at the level they are capable of in school. Every child deserves the chance to do their best to succeed. I love that Champions Against Bullying really rallies around that and strives to provide the best and safest environment for children.
Dhaya Lakshminarayanan
Star Champion - Stand Up Comedian
Dhaya Lakshminarayanan is the 2016 winner of the Liz Carpenter Political Humor Award (previously awarded to Samantha Bee, Wanda Sykes and satirist/humorist Mark Russell) presented by the National Women’s Political Caucus. The SF Weekly named her one of the “16 Bay Area performers to watch in 2016.” Further recognitions included one of “The Bay Area’s 11 Best Standup Comedians,” by SFist, The San Francisco Bay Guardian named her Best Comedian 2013 in the “Best of the Bay” Readers’ Poll and Comedy Central Asia crowned her the Grand Prize Winner of “The Ultimate Comedy Challenge,” filmed in Singapore.
Her list of credits includes the Bridgetown Comedy Festival, San Francisco Sketchfest, the Boston Comedy Festival (semifinalist), the Limestone Comedy Festival and Laugh Your Asheville Off. She has opened/worked with the following: Janeane Garofalo, Marc Maron and Maz Jobrani, to name a few. Dhaya introduced former Vice President Al Gore at an event. He then laughed onstage at her joke, so technically she once opened for Al Gore.
Dhaya is also a TV host and storyteller. She hosted the premier year of the Emmy award-winning series “High School Quiz Show” on PBS’s WGBH. She is a frequent comedic storyteller on NPR’s Snap Judgment and has appeared live in Austin on The Risk podcast. She is currently the host of San Francisco’s monthly Moth StorySLAM. She went on to compete in the GrandSLAM at the Castro Theater and was awarded a grand prize for Best Travel Disaster Story, by ON24.
A solo performer, her first play “Nerd Nation,” was partially funded by The Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center of San Francisco and DIVAfest, where the workshop run in San Francisco sold out.
Dhaya has been profiled in The Boston Globe, The Bay Guardian and The San Jose Mercury News. Prior to funny and show business, Dhaya was a venture capitalist, management consultant and two-time MIT graduate. She is a favorite at corporate events, panels, CEO conferences, and company-wide programs.
Website: www.dhayacomedy.com
Twitter: @dhayalive
Facebook: /dhayalive
Naima Mora
Star Champion - Model, Singer, Actress, TEDx, Winner of "America's Next Top Model"
Dynamic Naima Mora, Cycle 4 Winner of “America’s Next Top Model” is also a speaker, spokesperson, accomplished actor, author, musician and fashion designer.
Naima’s accolades include recognizable awards for exceptional achievement, outstanding leadership and dedication to improving the quality of life, such as:
✦ The Spirit of Detroit Award ✦ The California Legislature Assembly Certificate of Recognition ✦ The Key to the city of Cincinnati, Ohio ✦
Along with being the face of Cover Girl Cosmetics, Sheer Cover Mineral MakeUp and Samsung, to name a few, Naima has graced the covers of “ELEGANT,” “Vicious,” “Modern Salon,” “WINK” and others, and shot spreads for “Teen People,” “Latina,” “Inked,” “US Weekly,” “Intouch,” and many more.
Naima has appeared on numerous television shows including “Veronica Mars,” the “Tyra Banks Show,” “Veronica Mars,” judging “Miss Teen USA,” runway for Bravo's “Project Runway.” As Lead Host of the eduPOWERED Fashion Network, Naima is excited to inspire millions around the world to join the campaign, Fashions Against Bullying, where “Kindness Is Beautiful.”
Naima often serves as a keynote speaker and host across the US. Her public speaking reached an international platform with a TEDx Talk and a feature in SGI Buddhist Organization’s “Buddhist In America.”
She authored, “Model Behavior,” a book that looks at self-discovery, expression and more, and is based on her experiences in life and the fashion industry.
As a solo artist, Naima released her first single, “Hour Glass,” produced by Grammy Nominee, Josh Stevens. It hit #1on the iTunes Caribbean charts in the summer of 2015 and landed on the soundtrack of indie movie, “Open Mind.”
She recently teamed up with her cousin to design a fashion line, NAIMA X H!TOMA.
“Bullying is an epidemic. Countless people experience bullying that deeply affect their lives resulting in tragic consequences. We can all become pioneers of peace and bring joy, hope and happiness to our immediate surroundings. Ending bullying and its effects begin with all of us pulling together consistently.
Working with Champions Against Bullying has changed my life - giving me the courage to speak up when I thought I couldn't and fight back when I didn't think I had the strength. Champions Against Bullying has encouraged me to be responsible for being a voice of faith, courage and love in my community and use my platform as a public figure to stand up against bullying and continue as a beacon of change. I am proud and deeply honored to be a Champion Against Bullying!”
www.naimamoraonline.com
official.naimamora@gmail.com
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook: @naimamora
Brit Morgan
Star Champion - Actress, CW's "Riverdale"
Britt Morgan moved to Los Angeles after growing up in New Jersey. She attended Cherokee High and discovered her love of acting in their notable theater program. Shortly after graduating, Britt moved to west to pursue her dream. After a couple of years she started working on popular shows such as, CSI and GREEK, which lead to her first big break as a series regular on the ABC family show THE MIDDLEMAN. When the series wrapped Brit landed the coveted role of Debbie Pelt on the hit HBO show TRUE BLOOD that recently wrapped after two seasons. In between filming Britt has guest starred on SHOWTIME'S hit show SHAMELESS and co starred in the soon to be released Indie drama FREE RIDE along side her fellow TRUE BLOOD co-star Anna Paquin.
Britt is very excited and proud to be working with Champions Against Bullying - a cause close to her heart. Through personal experience she understands the negative impact bullying has. Britt believes that with Champions Against Bullying more children will live in a safer environment and be free to be who they are.
Meredith O’Connor
Star Champion - Singer, Actress
American teen pop sensation, Meredith O'Connor, recognized for her viral hit, "Celebrity," was bullied as a child.
She was excluded by her peers, until she shared the anti-bullying themed song for the movie, "Red Head Randy," and secured a leading role. As a child in NYC, she played in Off-Broadway theater companies like "Turtle Shell," and CAP productions.
Not fitting in inspired her to encourage her young fans on "teammeredithoconnor," to love who they are and embrace their differences.
Her most recent hit single, "Just The Thing," starring Luke Bilyk in the music video, expressed that being yourself will help you find happiness. With fans all over the world, she sang for thousands in her ten-city tour across the US east coast. She is currently preparing to embark on a world tour to the UK, Singapore and throughout the USA, singing her hit songs including, "Just the Thing," while spreading messages of kindness and respect on behalf of Champions Against Bullying.
“Growing up I didn't understand why kids shunned me. I felt alone and thought I must have done something to deserve it. My song ‘Celebrity’ became popular among kids around that time and I wanted my message to remind them that no matter what’s going on, they aren't alone - others have survived and thrived. I wanted to be the role model I never had growing up, besides my family. Champions Against Bullying is a powerful source of positivity with great messages that really help kids and teens going through all sorts of social issues.
Staying confidant in who you are is a big part of staying strong through hard times.”
Meredithoconnormusic.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Meredith-OConnor/230813186935914
http://instagram.com/meredithoconnor http://twitter.com/meredithter https://www.youtube.com/user/Meredithter
The Game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4Qv90HjS_s
Just The Thing: http://www.vevo.com/watch/QMGR31402260
Elysia Potter
Star Champion - Race Car Driver
The high school honor roll student, with unique aspirations, races Super Trucks. Elysia has enjoyed many honors that include singing at the National Anthem at Langley Speedway events, Monster Jam at the Hampton Coliseum and instructional basketball Awards at the YMCA in Newport news. This budding young philanthropist continues to spearhead fundraising for fellow racecar drivers and bullying prevention campaigns – proudly as a Star Champion for Champions Against Bullying.
At the tender age of nine, Elysia Potter found her passion in racing. She and her brother, Dalton, raced their Quad four wheelers in their backyard and then began racing Go Karts at Langley Speedway in Hampton, Virginia.
Elysia rose through the ranks, finishing her Go Kart career in the Junior 2 Blue Restricter Plate Division, earning the junior sportsman of the year award in 2014, and finished 3rd for the Bandolero Championship. Selected to participate in NASCAR Drive For Diversity / Rev Racing in Bandoleros at Charlotte Motor Speedway, she finished 13th and at Langley Speedway. She ended her 2015 racing season as the Virginia State Champion in the Bandolero Outlaw class!
In 2016, her career slowed down when her home track, Langley speedway, closed their gates. With nowhere to race until Eric Bucklew, who appreciated Elysia’s drive “to put the brakes on bullying” and the impact she’s made in her community, gifted her with his super truck. Eric’s compassion and generosity traveled far and fast and soon the promoter of the East Carolina Motor Speedway invited Elysia to practice and race.
This ignited her adventure into full size race cars as she came in 8th out of an 11 truck field for the Championship. In 2017, her home track Langley Speedway reopened its doors and she ran her first full season as a Super Truck Race Car driver. Elysia finished the season having the time of her life and came home a solid 6th out of 16 trucks.
“I look forward to seeing what the 2018 season will bring in my Super Truck racing career and I’m so excited to get some seat time in a Late Model Stock Car!”
“If there were no existence of bullying, more dreams would become realities for there would be no one to discourage you by saying things such as. ‘You can't.’”
https://twitter.com/pottersracing
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Potters-motorsports/210767312452172
https://www.youtube.com/user/1grimpit
Pilar
Star Champion - Singer, Songwriter, Actress
Introducing, Pilar, a voice of a generation that isn't afraid to put itself out there. Striving to be a positive presence, her music touches on topics ranging from young love and heartbreak, to bullying. Her voice already reaches beyond the songs she sings.
Born and raised outside Philadelphia, she was immersed in the Arts from a young age. In 2010, she starred in the movie, "Standing Ovation," which has gained a cult-like following among tweens and teens. Her original song, "Living the Dream," appeared on the soundtrack. PILAR has also performed on several national television spots and in various Broadway and Off-Broadway productions.
In an effort to use her powers for good, PILAR has recently joined Champions Against Bullying as a Star Champion. "Bullying is cruel and unnecessary. As a former victim of bullying, it's important to me that I am a part of the effort to put an end to it. Champions Against Bullying is a wonderful organization that I support with my entire being. Their workshops are fabulous at teaching kids how to stand up for themselves and love who they truly are. That's something that I had to learn on my own. It would have been so much easier then, if I had them as my support team.”
www.PilarOfficial.com
www.Twitter.com/OhLookItsPILAR
www.Facebook.com/PilarMusicOfficial
Brooke Anne Smith
Star Champion - Actress, Tyler Perry's "Too Close to Home"
Brooke Anne Smith dreamed of Hollywood since she was a little girl. Born in Aurora Colorado, at the age of fifteen, that dream began to actualize. After being crowned Ms. Jr. America, she was urged to try her luck in acting. Like so many before her, she came out for pilot season with stars in her eyes. She knew that it was near an impossible dream, but that wouldn't stop her. That summer she would win a guest starring role on the hit WB series 7th heaven, and her feature film debut was to follow. She landed the lead in the Walt Disney picture, "Max Keeble's Big Move" along stars Jamie Kennedy, Larry Miller, and Josh Peck. This movie put Brooke Anne Smith on the map, to follow was a slew of TV shows including "Malcolm In The Middle," "My Wife And Kids," and "Judging Amy." Although Brooke won the Young Artist Award for three of her roles, the TV show that would change everything for Ms. Smith was her embodiment of a foster child thrown in a garbage can at birth on "Cold Case." This led to her role on "CSI," and was especially important to Smith as it raised awareness against bullying and was loosely based off of Phoebe Prince, the young teen her took her life after severe bullying. Following “Mischief Night" was her first starring role, one of the most dynamic roles of her career. This role would lead to a STARZ/SYFY movie "Blast Vegas" and finally to a new TV series currently titled "Cinnamon Girl" created and produced by academy award winner Renee Zellweger. As of late, you may know her from her recurring role on the hit TV show "Awkward" which comes back for fall this October. It seems that Brooke has reached her childhood dreams, and has followed the advice she was once told: "Reach for the moon, even if you miss you will still land among the stars."
“Champions Against Bullying is an organization that protects our children by digging into the root of the problem. We can all help and take a stand against bullying by actively learning how and why it happens. Champions Against Bullying doesn't just tell us it will get better, they show us HOW to make it better. I chose Champions Against Bullying because I believe in what they do, and I want to be there to comfort victims of bullying when they feel most alone. Together we can make a difference and it starts here with Champions Against Bullying.”
Dustin "Dusty" Watten
Star Champion - Volleyball World Cup Champion, Team USA
Dustin began playing volleyball at age 14 and was hooked immediately. Focused and determined, he hit the beach daily with his Dad and worked towards participating in beach doubles. A notice, a nod and a recruit from Long Beach State head coach, Alan Knipe, launched five years at Long Beach State helping the team capture a MPSF title. He then joined the trip to the NCAA Final four during his junior year.
During his six years as a professional volleyball player, Dustin travelled much of the globe, including two years in Finland, a year in Brazil and three years in France while preparing to enter the Polish Plus-Liga, representing WKS Czarni Radom. “Whatever I may come across in life, I will do it with passion, because anything is possible with the right attitude,” Dustin says.
“Bullying prevention is important to me. I believe everyone should feel free to express their passion for life and their unique style without fear of retaliation. I’m excited to partner with Champions Against Bullying. I have worked hard to become a professional athlete and am enthused to share the values of compassion, hard work and service that have helped me throughout my journey to empower the community around me.”
IG: @dustinwatten
Twitter: @DustinWatten
https://www.dustinwatten.com
Isabelle “Izzy” Young
Star Champion - Model, Actress
Raised in San Francisco, and now a recent transplant to Los Angeles, 14-year old Isabelle "Izzy" Young got her start in entertainment as a commercial model at 1 years old. She has modeled for brands such as Walmart, Southwest Airlines, Disney, Pottery Barn Kids, and various magazines, including the cover of Family Fun.
Izzy has been featured on TV shows such as FRESH OFF THE BOAT, and has also appeared in the films, STEALTH, ILLUMINATI PUPPET, and BANDIT HOUND. With a love of writing and filmmaking, Izzy wrote, produced and starred in her own TV show pilot, IZZY UNLEASHED, which was featured at the 2016 WEST CHESTER FILM FESTIVAL.
Izzy is a passionate singer and songwriter. She has written and recorded the original song, “Because of Me,” and covers popular songs on her YouTube channel. Continuing to hone her crafts, she has worked with industry professionals such as singing coach, Stevie Mackey, and acting coach, Lisa Picotte.
“Online bullying is not only hurtful, but stifles creatively. Imagine the amount of creative kids out there that are holding back because of the fear of being bullied. I am excited about working with Champions Against Bullying to empower kids and help others shine their brightest.”
Twitter: @TheIzzyYoung
IG: @TheIzzyYoung