Use this skit to spark a discussion about the dangers of bullying and the power of words.
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[PLAY SONG: Pomp Circumstance]
(Two graduates in cap and gown walk through the middle of the crowd, toward the stage. The two graduates start to talk, whispering, during the graduation.)
Graduate #1: Hey, you going to the party tonight?
Graduate #2: Yup. Super excited.
Graduate #1: I can’t believe were graduating.
Graduate #2: I can’t believe Kupfer got valedictorian.
Graduate #1: Shh, Principal Regional Director is looking at us. [PAUSE]
Graduate #2: Listen, this might not be the best time but I’ve been meaning to tell you something.
Graduate #1: Ya?
Graduate #2: With us graduating and all, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to our last four years together.
Graduate #1: We’ve been in the same class since 4th grade.
Graduate #2: Ya ya, that too, but seriously... It’s really unbelievable that we’ve been friends throughout all these years. I mean, we went through some tougher times, and ya know, not everyone in the class was always so nice to you, and things got rough with your family and all, but we stayed friends the whole time. I wasn’t always the best friend, and I wasn’t always there for you, and didn’t always include you but at least I never really hurt you. I mean, like ya know, it was ONLY WORDS.
[PLAY VIDEO: Words Hurt - Bullying Commercial (30 seconds)]
(As video plays, graduates stand up and get in line to receive diploma from Principal.)
(Bully stands in back of victim jumping with excitement. Victim is walking slowly, contemplating. Principal extends hand holding diploma, victim in thought doesn’t notice, principal tries again.)
(Bully takes diploma, waves to crowd, bumps into the back of the victim who isn't walking off stage... pause... Victim turns around, yells “ENOUGH” throws diploma on floor and begins to give a speech, about how it is not JUST words.)
[Write your own speech here. If fitting, use a poem:]
Sticks and stones may break my bones,
But words can also hurt me.
Sticks and stones break only skin,
While words are ghosts that haunt me.
Slant and curved the words-swords fall
To pierce and stick inside me,
Bats and bricks may ache through bones,
But words can mortify me.
Pain from words has left its scar
On mind and heart that's tender.
Cuts and bruises now have healed,
It's words that I remember.