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Photo from Tom Gannam, APTina Meier will be the keynote speaker at our annual Internet Safety Event, April 1st.

For those who don't know, Tina's beautiful daughter, Megan, committed suicide due to a cruel MySpace hoax in 2006.  Although there have been other suicides due to electronic bullying, this particular case became international news and sparked outrage due to the circumstances of the case. (Please browse through the archive to find many stories on Tina and Megan).

Last year, our Internet Safety Day focused on a wide array of online safety issues and concerns.  As M.O.S.T chairperson and West Central Four Internet Safety Coordinator for the past several years, I wanted to focus this year solely on the disturbing trend of electronic bullying. My main objective was to procure an expert in the field or someone who has been personally touched by cyberbullying, an issue I am deeply passionate about.  Unfortunately, until Megan's story, many were still unaware of the dangers of cyberbullying.

Little did I know, months down the road, I would be inviting Tina to our 2nd annual Internet Safety event!   From CNN and Dr. Phil, to Tyra Banks and The Today Show, Tina is a nationally recognized and highly sought-after speaker.  Tina has taken an unimaginable tragedy and is now dedicating her life to this growing and disturbing problem our children are facing online; cyberbullying. 

On a personal level, I am deeply honored Tina has accepted to share her compelling and powerful story with our parents, our educators and entire community.  I highly encourage everyone to attend and anticipate a very large crowd and a strong media presence at our event.

I am proud to have shared many conversations with this courageous woman I so admire.

April 1st, 2008

6:30-7:45 PM

Macomb, IL

(Contact me for further information)

Please visit the new Megan Meier Foundation website, still under construction.