Gena Parker, Phillip's mother:
"He was fun, he was energetic, he was happy."
And, to many of his friends, Phillip was known as the boy who told everyone they're beautiful, though maybe he didn't quite believe that for himself.Ruby Harris, Phillip's grandmother:
"He kept telling me he had a rock on his chest. He just wanted to take the rock off where he could breathe."
Phillip's family reported their concerns over his being the target of bullies to officials at Gordonsville High School on multiple occasions, but the bullying just got worse.Phillip Parker, Phillip's father:
"That's my son. I love him. I miss him."
An official with Smith County Schools said they are planning how to handle a crisis situation with students Monday. It's a shame they couldn't handle a bullying situation, for then there would be no need for crisis counseling for Phillip's fellow students.Some folks say that these are hard posts to read, and I can tell you that they are hard posts to write. But if we don't put their names out there, we don't shine a light on the issue that children are bullying children; to death.
This needs to stop. The schools need to step up. The districts need to step up. Parents need to demand that the schools their children attend keep those children safe.
I'm sick of seeing 'Another One....' on my blog, but these young men and women, gay and straight, are not going to die in vain.
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