October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month and H-E-B invites Texas students to join the H-E-B Buddy League, challenging them to “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully.” Inspired by H-E-B’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, the effort promotes kindness and respect and discourages harmful behaviors such as teasing, exclusion and bullying.

In its fourth year, the H-E-B Buddy League kicked off a statewide tour of the H-E-B Buddy League Training Academy. Using song and animation, the live show takes students through five training tasks that demonstrate bullying behaviors and show ways to stand up to bullying and promote unity. The live performance hit the road and will stop at nearly 30 elementary schools across Texas throughout the month.

Here’s what some educators from around the state are saying about H-E-B Buddy League:

“The students were awestruck with the show,” said Leonor Delgado, counselor at Frank Madla Elementary School in San Antonio. “The show had their complete attention. The children were so into the message of not bullying that it made a difference in how they treated each other throughout the school year”.

“It was a very high impact show and the students thoroughly enjoyed the show,” said Troy T. Whittemore, counselor at Garza Elementary School in Brownsville. “As a guidance counselor I was able to provide lessons from the information packet provided prior to the show…Very helpful!”

“We LOVED the Buddy League presentation,” said Brenda Barajas, counselor at Freedom Elementary in San Antonio. “It was not only relevant, but so entertaining. Our kids loved it and have been asking if we will have it again this year.” 

Additionally, H-E-Buddy and H-E-B Partners (employees) will visit first-grade through third-grade classrooms at more than 300 schools to engage students in a variety of anti-bullying activities and conversations. Teachers will receive an H-E-B Buddy League Kit filled with bilingual materials to continue the dialogue of kindness and inclusion. For schools not scheduled for visits, teachers can download a free activity guide paired with an interactive H-E-B Buddy League Training Academy video and order free H-E-B Buddy League Kits here.

Bullying is a widespread issue that can cause negative physical, social and mental-health issues. It’s estimated that between 1 and 4 and 1 in 3 students has been bullied at school with many more experiencing cyber bullying, according to the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice Statistics. Children who are bullied more often experience depression, anxiety, and feelings of sadness and loneliness as well as experience lower academic achievement and school participation.

In addition to the presentations and online resources, first-grade through third-grade students are eligible for the H-E-B Buddy League Student Advocate Award, which recognizes children who demonstrate acts of kindness, respect, courage and inclusion. Teachers can nominate students online at heb.com/league now through Feb. 28. Winners will be recognized and receive an H-E-B Buddy League Prize Pack.

“H-E-B is a passionate supporter of education and understands that children are successful and learn best when they have safe learning environments,” said Sonia Quirino Canales, H-E-B Diversity & Inclusion Manager. “Since we launched the program, tens of thousands of Texas elementary students have participated in the H-E-B Buddy League and we hope to reach even more children this year.”

Below is a full schedule of the H-E-B Buddy League Training Academy live performances. For question about H-E-B Buddy League or the live performances, please visit our Contact Us page or email news@heb.com.