Pocono News Section

Students Produce Documentary

Students Produce Documentary - Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 04:11AM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Thursday May 20 2010
EAST STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - P atrick Monahan used to let bullies push him around. The high school junior said, "They used to call me shrimp, short kid."

But he got help. And learned how to deal with his problems. He explained, "It used to be a lot tougher when i was younger but now it's like whatever."

Now he's part of a group helping other kids learn how to deal with bullies. Junior Ashley DeJesus said, "I wanted to be a part of something that might stop it in any way."

About a dozen students from East Stroudsburg High School South produced a documentary about the problem. It's called "BeNoBull.

Teacher Patricia Tiernan is the Yearbook Advisor and Service Learning Coordinator. She smiled, "I 'm very proud of the students."

The documentary focuses on a newer bullying trend that many people haven't had to deal with in the past, cyber bullying. DeJesus explained, "Whatever happens in school just seems to carry over to the internet."

The documentary is part of a service learning project through the year book club. Tiernan says projects like this motivate students. She explained, "Our biggest problem in education is really apathy. And service learning and making documentaries and engaging with the community gets rid of all the apathy."

A community group called Youth Infusion helped the students. Francesca Turturro of Youth Infusion said the group helped, " so that they are able to make positive change in their lives and the lives of others."

And everyone involved can't wait to see the work on the big screen. Sophomore Marianne Novak said, "Just want to see the final product. See if anyone learns something. Maybe make a difference." You can catch the movie tonight at seven at the Pocono Community Theater in East Stroudsburg. It will also play there saturday at noon.

In addition students will present the documentary during assemblies at area middle schools.