Turning tragedy into hope

On August 9, 2008 Abigayle Kempton took her own life; the suffering was over. No longer able to cope with the bullying of her peers, the 14-year-old Baltimore took the ultimate step.

Her family was aware of changes going on in her life, but not the depth of them. Abi suffered silently, tormented by the actions of others who took advantage of her vulnerability and her size. Her parents got counselling for but it was not enough to stem the volume of her pain. The ordeal has left the family wondering how well anyone knows their children.

Her family has gotten beyond the grief and remorse of their loss and have launched a fundraising campaign to honour her memory. It started as a family effort, a scholarship in her name, but has grown in size and scope.

Over $25,000 has been raised and set aside in an account to fund three scholarships for students graduating from Cobourg secondary schools.

One of the family's biggest boosters in its campaign against bullying is Orletta Kernaghan. Never one to stand aside when she believes strongly in something, Orletta has been campaigning to increase the visibility of the problem and to raise funds for the scholarship which will need $75,000 to be fully funded for 20 years.



To date, she has raised $2,500. The vets at Northumberland Veterinary in Colborne were convinced of the merit and made a significant donation to the fund.

Roy says Orletta took up the cause right away. The Kempton and Kernaghan families attend Olde St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Colborne. "She's a wonderful ambassador for the cause," Roy exudes. "She's collaring people on the street. It makes us feel good that someone cares so much."

Area residents are familiar with Orletta's anti-bullying efforts. The Apple Blossom Tyme Festival opened for a couple of years with an anti-bullying ceremony organised by the woman who wins her way with a wonderful blend of charm and conviction.

She was at Northumberland Veterinary last week with Abigayle's grandfather, Roy, to thank the veterinarians for their generosity. It was an appropriate time - it was anti-bullying week. Her Uncle Royster and Aunt Dawn Clapperton were making presentations at the local secondary schools, hoping to make an impact on the lives of young people with Abi's story.

Following the photo, Roy chatted about the past year.

He says the whole idea of the family-led campaign was to raise awareness of bullying. It came together at Christmas. "There is nothing more dramatic than Abi taking her life," he notes. "We want to move on from the tragedy of her death."

The original plan was to set up one scholarship at Cobourg District Collegiate Institute West where she was headed, having completed her studies at Dale Road Public School. Her Uncle Royster, a teacher at the West, suggested the $1,000+ scholarship should be expanded to include all three schools. It will be awarded to students advancing to post-secondary studies who have demonstrated societal compassion and a high level of community involvement.

At the elementary school level the family is encouraging schools to develop anti-bullying programs and are providing gecko pins and certificates. Geckos were Abi's trademark symbol. Roy understands the literature which outlines the importance of getting messages to the kids when they are young. "If we sew enough seeds..."

Roy is surprisingly magnanimous for someone who has recently lost his granddaughter. He acknowledges there are "victims on both sides, including the bullies". He wants everyone who knew her to be involved and take up the torch. You get the feeling he includes the bulliers too.