Sam Valk does not want to change.
The 14-year-old Barrington boy is quite content to be who he is — a teenager who likes to sing, design clothing, and wear a different bow tie each day …
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Sam Valk does not want to change.
The 14-year-old Barrington boy is quite content to be who he is — a teenager who likes to sing, design clothing, and wear a different bow tie each day of the week.
But being who he is has not been easy for Sam. In fact, the Barrington High School freshman said he has been a target for bullies for the last few years. Sam said there were two students who took a picture of him and posted it to Snapchat, drawing in a gun pointed at his head. There was another student, he said, who knocked him to the ground inside the cafeteria and then dragged him across the floor by his backpack.
Sam believes that it's how he dresses and acts that make him a target for bullies. But Sam refuses to change.
"If there’s one thing I’ve learned from being bullied it is that they are not going to deprive me of my way of
life," Sam wrote in a recent email. "I am not going to conform to who they think I should be. I am not going to dress in T-shirts and blue jeans because they think that’s 'normal.' No, I am going to wear what I like to wear — button down shirts with a nice bow tie!
"I go to high school every day, and although I am sometimes criticized or mocked, at least I know I am being true to myself."
Sam recently decided to put a positive spin on his predicament.
The local teenager started his own company, designing, producing and selling bow ties. A portion of the proceeds from each sale is donated to Rachel's Challenge — a nonprofit that promotes an anti-bullying message. The organization is named after Rachel Scott, the first student killed in the Columbine (Colo.) High School shooting.
"It occurred to me that if there was a way to make bullies understand that it is okay for people to be different, look different and have different interests I would like to find it, or at least bring awareness to it," Sam wrote.
About four or five months ago, Sam brought the idea to his mother, Charlene, who located a seamstress in Long Island, N.Y.
After clearing some logistical hurdles, Sam launched Bully Bows. He brought his ties to a store in Warren — Imagine — and began selling them there. The Courthouse Center for the Arts in Wakefield also sells his ties. Sam said he plans to sell his ties online in the near future.
Sam's mother has been very impressed by her son's ambition and determination, but overwhelmed with his strength despite the ongoing challenges.
"He is the strongest person I know," she said.
Sam said he would, some day, like to have his own boutique. But in the meantime, he is happy to continue selling his bow ties and promoting an anti-bullying message.
"Let’s stop kids from being afraid to be themselves and, more importantly, let’s shine the light on those who are mean-spirited and turn them around, teaching them to be kind to one another," he said.
This week will mark the final one in Barrington schools for Sam. Next fall, the 14-year-old will enroll at Jacqueline Walsh School for Performing Arts in Pawtucket. He is excited about taking classes in an arts-based curriculum. He is also hopeful the bullying he has experienced in Barrington will fade into the past.
Sam said he is not entirely bitter about his experiences in Barrington, however. He said the troubles and challenges played a role in the creation of his business.
Sam's work and positivity has also been recognized by the people at Rachel's Challenge. Recently Sam made his first donation to the organization. He later received an email from Rachel Scott's father, Darrell Scott:
"Sam, Stephen, and Charlene,
"I was touched by Sam’s story and appreciate his courage to be who he is. It reminded me of a story concerning Elvis Presley when he was in high school. He chose to wear pink shirts and comb his hair different and was teased and bullied because of that. Guess he had the last laugh, huh?
"Rachel wrote, 'Find out who you are and let it stay its true color.' Sounds like you’re practicing what my daughter wrote! Thank you for not reacting to the ignorance and insensitivity of others, Sam.
"Darrell Scott, Rachel’s dad"