Teen pens song in tribute to Todd
The story of a bullied teen, chronicled in a heart-breaking video, has captured the attention of people around the world.
In the two weeks since Amanda Todd’s death, the video has gone viral, prompting rallies and a call to address bullying, both at schools yard and online.
The video also inspired Leah de Zeeuw, 14, to write a song in Todd’s memory.
It’s a song sung from Todd’s perspective, explains de Zeeuw, who used to lived in Maple Ridge and now resides in Kamloops.
“I want Amanda to be remembered every day,” she says.
“I want bullies to be reminded frequently and I do not want them to escape her message.”
The budding songwriter believes an anti-bullying message, delivered in a song, will have an impact with teenagers.
“It’s better than being lectured,” says de Zeeuw.
She has shared the song with classmates at Sahali Secondary School, hoping it will inspire others to take a stand.
“All it takes is one person to stand up to a bully,” she says.
Todd, 15, took her own life after posting the video to YouTube in September, detailing the harassment she suffered at the hands of an apparent online predator and school bullies.
Her death put bullying under the spotlight at the annual We Day event last week, with Premier Christy Clark challenging youth across the province to stand up to bullies.
“I am standing up strong and proud for Amanda and for all those who are bullied,” de Zeeuw said.
“I will not rest and I will be relentless in my pursuit to carry her message.”
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