The 2019-2020 school year has gotten off to a phenomenal start with the return of the friendly faces of students and teachers as well as some new additions to the campus. Created by our own Mrs. Reagan Berry, the Being A Bulldog program is being implemented at Wylie High School for the first time. It centers on spreading kindness and having good character as a Wylie Bulldog.

Mrs. Berry said she came up with the idea for the campaign after witnessing so many acts of kindness on the part of staff members. “I saw that there were teachers going above and beyond for students and doing some really kind things, whether it be part of the curriculum in the classroom and how they’re including students, or outside of the classroom.” Additionally, she says she drew inspiration from Rachel’s Challenge. “I know there are little things that are done everyday, and if we can start highlighting those things, then maybe we can start a chain reaction to where if you see that something is noticed, that encourages you to want to do it again. Meanwhile, the person on the receiving end, of course it would lift them up, but maybe they would want to pass along that kindness as well.”

The name Being A Bulldog was coined by Mrs. Berry when she was searching for the perfect post for the WHS Facebook page. “I googled ‘what is a bulldog?’ and the AKC [American Kennel Club] definition came up and it said that the Bulldog is loyal, kind, compassionate, a friend, a companion, and all these qualities that we as people should be.” From that search was born the Being A Bulldog program to inspire students and staff alike to embody these key characteristics of loyalty, kindness, friendliness, and courage. 

If you see or experience a student or staff member embodying what it means to be a bulldog and spreading kindness, you can receive a form from the office or scan the QR code on the posters around the school to submit that person for recognition at the end of the month. Mrs. Berry hopes to, as this program develops, give tokens of recognition to each student or faculty nominated, and possibly even a gift card from the community for one person selected. 

Submit kindness for recognition this year to be a part of a chain reaction of showcasing what it means to be a Wylie Bulldog. 

“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” – Barbara De Angelis