'All Hands On Deck!' Performance Empowers Students Against Bullying in Alleghany Highlands   Alleghany Highlands, VA (June 5, 2026) - Fifth-grade students across Alleghany Highlands Public Schools recently had the opportunity to experience an engaging and educational performance of "All Hands On Deck!" presented by Silver Line Theatre Exchange in collaboration with Bath Community Hospital’s Stop Bullying Task Force, the Alleghany Highlands YMCA Healthy Highlands Program, and the Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board. This initiative, aimed at promoting bullying prevention, captivated students and provided them with valuable insights into the importance of kindness and respect in their school community. The performance was designed to resonate with the young audience while addressing critical issues surrounding bullying. Written by Claire Wittman and directed by Jeremy L. West, the play effectively combined entertainment with education, drawing from the Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center Curriculum. Engaging Discussion Following the performance, students participated in an interactive talk-back session led by Eric Gutierrez, a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Bath Community Physician's Group supported by the Virginia Health Care Foundation. Eric facilitated a thoughtful discussion, helping students distinguish between myths and facts about bullying and equipping them with strategies to address bullying situations. The session encouraged open communication and fostered a sense of confidence among students. "The performance of 'All Hands On Deck' was an invaluable experience for students," said Sandra McHenry, Alleghany Highlands YMCA Healthy Highlands Program Leader. "It ignited important conversations about bullying and inspired them to stand up for themselves and their peers." Community Support This initiative was made possible through the partnership of Bath Community Hospital, the Alleghany Highlands YMCA Healthy Highlands Program, the Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board, and the Bath County Arts Association. Together, these organizations are dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment for students and fostering a culture of kindness and respect in schools. "We are dedicated to cultivating an environment of compassion and empathy in our schools," said Lori Hicks, Director of Community Impact and Population Health for Bath Community Hospital. "Together with our partners, we are making strides to ensure that every student feels safe and valued." For more information about the Stop Bullying Task Force and resources available to students and families, please visit Bath Community Hospital's Stop Bullying Task Force. About Silver Line Theatre Exchange, located in nearby Staunton, Virginia, Silver Line Theatre Exchange is an education-led theatre company offering classes and performance opportunities for students in grades PK-12, and a professional producing body that connects regional professional actors and aspiring artists to performance and teaching work. Strengthening awareness, confidence, and empathy turns kids and teens into better actors — and more importantly — better humans. Collaborating with their peers through scene work develops students’ essential social skills, growing them into thoughtful members of their communities. Our classroom environment is rigorous and inclusive, led by faculty who are trained theatre professionals and experienced practitioners. About the Virginia Health Care Foundation
The Virginia Health Care Foundation is a unique public/private partnership established by the Virginia General Assembly, aimed at increasing access to primary care for uninsured and underserved Virginians. The Foundation serves as a catalyst for innovation, promoting and funding community-based initiatives that improve health care access. Through its grant-making, technical assistance, and leadership, VHCF helps strengthen the health care safety net, supports free clinics and community health centers, and facilitates the enrollment of eligible Virginians in health insurance programs.

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