Portraying bullies and singing "Don't You Hate It," from the musical "Bullies Anonymous" are St. Ignace sixth grade students (from left) Seth Argue, Maddie Smith, Emily Hinsman, Kristi Gustafson, and Martin Donajkowski. The class musical was performed Thursday, March 27. Introduced as "terribly talented and seriously funny," the St. Ignace sixth grade class generated laughter and applause from fellow students and parents who attended their musical comedy on bullying, entitled "Bullies Anonymous." Two performances were given Thursday, March 27.

Teachers Helena Shepard and Heather Brady worked with the students about 40 minutes a day for four weeks as they learned songs and lines.

Students Brianna Luhellier and Joe Backlas were the narrators.

"We wanted to do something fun with the kids," said Mrs. Shepard. "The kids like performing and they were excited."

Bullying is a timely topic, she said. The musical used a comic approach to teach lessons on the characteristics of a bully, with songs like "Aren't We Cool," and "Bullyometer."

A banner draped on the edge of the stage at the St. Ignace Middle School cafeteria names the musical comedy "Bullies Anonymous" performed by the entire sixth grade class. The students also signed the banner. Some cast members, pictured here, are (left, seated) Trevor McLean, Caleb Leveille, Tyler Snyder, Rebecca LaLonde, and Morgan LaVake; (left, standing) Patsy Gugin, Holly Beaudoin, Michaela Miller, Cameron Huffman, Jacob Sjogren, Andrew Sjogren, Anesa Collier, Kristi Gustafson, Brianna Luhellier, and Virginia Smith. Through songs, the students explained that a bully can use words or physical behavior to inflict hurt.

Lyrics from the song "Apples Don't Fall Far From the Tree" also provided solutions to bullying behavior and suggested students tell a teacher about a bully, and ignore the bully. Staying with groups of friends and having selfconfidence also helps deter bullies, according to songs performed by the class.

"We hope they realize bullying isn't cool," said Mrs. Shepard, "and they watch out for kids who may be bullied. We hope they take away what the musical is saying and learn from it."

Cast members included Brianna Luhellier, Joe Backlas, Jake Dodds, Taylor Causley, Emily Hinsman, Morgan LaVake, Lindsey Blair, Martin Donajkowski, Alyssa Gravelle, Bradley Gustafson, Kristi Gustafson, Virginia Smith, Kyle Winkelman, Anesa Collier, Cameron Huffman, Andrew Sjogren, Jesse Halberg, Rebecca LaLonde, Jacob Sjorgren, Holly Beaudoin, Caleb Leveille, Trevor McLean, Michaela Miller, Gavin St. Onge, Chase DeKeyser, Dakota Obeshaw, Jacobb St. Andrew, Tyler Snyder, Bekka Litzner, Savannah Smith, Patsy Gugin, Kelsey Will, Joe Fullerton, Zack Wiertalla, Maddie Smith, Seth Argue, John Ellis, Brandon Horn, Josh Lennington, Zane Igo, William Miller, Tayler Ferguson, and Travis Salter.