A Conversation About Bullying

445 Manor Avenue,Downingtown PA 19335

25 October, 2022

Description

Pretty Little Liars Author Sara Shepard and Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin Actress Zakiya Young Returning to Downingtown to Talk Anti-Bullying On October 25, New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Little Liars and Downingtown High School (DHS) alumnus Sara Shepard (’95) will return to Downingtown for a candid conversation on the dangers of bullying. “I'm so excited to come back and connect with Downingtown students and the community about anti-bullying, which is a huge theme in the Pretty Little Liars series,” said Shepard, who has published over twenty novels for adults and teens and has had three adapted for television. “I also hope to share details about my new book, Wait for Me, and meet longtime readers, writers, and fans.” Accompanying Shepard for the program is fellow DHS alumnus Zakiya Young (’97), a film, stage, and television actress who recently appeared in Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin on HBO Max. “Programs on anti-bullying are so important because words hurt. Actions hurt. And there is this pressure to conform when you’re in high school - when you’re just finding your voice - and it can be really difficult to stand up for yourself in the moment,” Young said. “I was bullied from elementary school through high school but I was good at covering it up. If my coming back and sharing my story will help someone who is being bullied or someone who might not even realize that what they’re doing isn’t just teasing but it’s actually bullying then it’s all worth it.” This event is hosted by the Downingtown Area School District (DASD) Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in honor of National Bullying Prevention Month in October. In addition to the guided discussion, attendees will have the opportunity for a meet and greet and book signing. “I’m very excited that Sara and Zakiya agreed to speak with members of our community,” DEI Director Justin Brown said. “In DASD, every student matters. Our district strives to ensure that all students feel that they belong and can see themselves in our schools and community. It is our job to make sure students can be their authentic selves, regardless of their lived background, their ability, their lived experience or how they choose to identify. I’m pleased that programs like this continue to push our mission and vision forward. I am also grateful to our wonderful alumni to come back and share their gifts and talents with the community.” While DASD schools recognize and celebrate National Bullying Prevention Month in October, there are numerous community activities scheduled within the greater Downingtown Area. Please check your local listings for events and programming. To learn more about DASD’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program, and to see examples of its program in action, visit www.dasd.org/diversity. “A Conversation About Bullying” with Downingtown alumni Sara Shepard and Zakiya Young will take place on October 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Downingtown High School West (445 Manor Ave, Downingtown). Attendees must register to attend in advance.