(January 12, 2013)… Rochester Knighthawks Joe Walters and Tyler Burton will carry the team’s anti-bullying message to Henrietta on Monday, January 14th. The players will share their stories of bullying with over 300 sixth and seventh graders at 2:30 p.m. at Burger Middle School as part of the Knighthawks’ “We Got Your Back” anti-bullying program.

“We want our students to have an opportunity to learn from others in our community that have had to work hard and persevere through good and bad times to make their dreams a reality,” said Burger Middle School Principal Greg Lane. “We believe that the Knighthawks players and their stories will connect, and inspire our students to set goals and learn new skills on how to effectively deal with the challenges they will face in their futures.”

Knighthawks Joe Walters and Tyler Burton will provide students with the signs of bullying and how to handle bullying situations. The players will encourage all 300 kids to sign an anti-bullying banner, which will hang in their school. It is estimated that about 30 percent of students in sixth through 10th grade in the United States are involved in bullying on a regular basis.

For Rochester native, Joe Walters the program has allowed him to give back to his hometown, while providing a message of acceptance and tolerance.

“Our feedback so far has been extremely positive,” said Walters. “I think it is important to share our personal stories with kids in the community.”

“It’s a good opportunity to make a difference and help shed some light on the rise of bullying in our schools,” added Burton.

The appearance is the second anti-bullying event of the season by the defending NLL Champions. Cosgrove Middle School in Spencerport helped the Knighthawks launch the program, which was created by Ann Marie Leonardi of Hurricanes Lacrosse. Last season, the Knighthawks signed an anti-bullying pledge to kick off their 2012 season. The “We Got Your Back” program was supported by the players and the entire staff.

The Knighthawks next anti-bullying event is scheduled for Tuesday, February 5th at Oliver Middle School in Brockport.

To learn more about the Knighthawks’ anti-bullying program, go to www.knighthawks.net/antibullying.