If you were an outcast in school, you know how hard it was on a day-to-day basis. Not having a group of friends to join made lunch, recess, and pretty much everything else a struggle.
For Phil Mick, an 11 year old in DeKalb, Indiana, not only did he not have many friends, he was also being physically abused by bullies at the school.
Last year at Christmas, Phil and his mother Tammy attended an event at a motorcycle shop in town. The dinner was for people who could not afford a Christmas celebration of their own. There, Tammy confided in Brent Warfield that Phil was being bullied at school.
Tammy told Warfield that Phil would come home with bruises, which is when she knew the bullying was getting worse. Kids were punching, hitting, and calling Phil names because of his weight. Tammy says Phil's bullying got so bad, he contemplated committing suicide.
Warfield says Phil's story struck a chord with him.
"I was bullied when I was younger," he told The Washington Post. "I know what it's like to be picked on. I told his mom, "˜I've got a bunch of big-hearted biker friends who would love to help.'"
Warfield happens to be the director for United Motorcycle Enthusiasts, and he posted a plea for help on his Facebook page.
"Were hopefully going to make a positive [impact] for Phil and hopefully show the other kids that bullying isn't cool."
Continue reading to see how many bikers showed up to help Phil, and to see what they did.
DeKalb Middle School was back in session on August 1st. Usually, this would mean fear and dread for Phil. However, his new biker buddies were there to help out.
Over 50 Indiana bikers met with Phil and his family for breakfast before escorting him to school. Some even traveled for over an hour to be there to help.
DeKalb middle school was very welcoming of the idea, and Phil was excited for a fresh start. He hopped on the back of a bike and rode with his 50 new friends into school. The loud, booming sound of the engines made sure the message was clear: Phil is not to be messed with.
"Standing up against bullying "“ we need more of that. And they did it in a positive way," says Principal Matt Vince.
After arriving in the parking lot, the prayer leader gathered everyone in a circle for a moment of reflection.
"You know, Lord, that there are people out there that are just not nice. . . . Lord, I ask that you make your presence known to Phil as he goes to school, not just today, but all through the school year. Let him know that you are there with him, that he can lean on you. . . . Amen."
"Phil was just in heaven. He wasn't apprehensive or scared. He walked in with confidence," Warfield said. "This is his new start. He was happy as heck."
Tammy says the day changed Phil's life.
"[Phil says] he has new brothers and sisters watching over him," Tammy said.
