CROMWELL - The student body at Cromwell Middle School erupted in cheer when Miss Teen USA, Logan West, walked into the gymnasium Thursday, Jan. 10, but soon she revealed she wasn’t always so accepted.

       As part of its anti-bullying initiative, Cromwell Middle School invited West, 18, a Southington native, to speak to the students of her experience with bullying starting at age 12 and how she took a stand against it.

       After answering questions about her journey to becoming a pageant queen, West asked the students to define bullying and why it occurs. Their consensus was simple: treating someone badly because they are different.

       Through her BullyProof” program, West taught the students the effects of bullying and how everyone can prevent it. Student volunteers spelled out the word “RESPECT” as West explained guidelines using each letter to show how the students should treat their peers with respect.

       Cromwell Middle School was selected in 2010 as one of the first schools in the state to implement the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, teaching students bullying prevention strategies and uniting the school, home and local communities in an effort to prevent bullying.