The BMX team: The members of the #nohatetour biking team on their “stage”, October 8, 2024. Photo Courtesy: Zahra Chopra

Expecting a normal assembly, students walk into the gymnasium on a Tuesday morning. Mental health assemblies are common. Most students have attended multiple, during their high school careers. They’ve listened to the typical speech about positivity. But upon entry, everyone knew this would not be one of those assemblies. 

The No Hate High School Tour has been participating in Anti-Bullying BMX tours for 25 years. The biking team members have collaborated with the U.S. Marines to send a message of anti-bullying and mental health awareness across schools around the world.

The assembly was an incredible show of biking tricks and jumps that left the crowd speechless. From flips to tricks, there was never a dull moment with the #nohatetour. 

The premise of their shows is to spread awareness of bullying and mental health in a way that is entertaining and engaging for high school-aged students. 

Sergeant. Drury, one of the Marines accompanying the #nohatetour to our school says that they have found the tour to be a successful way to advocate for mental health awareness, “Because it’s something that visually the kids can engage in while someone talks about it”.

Including a visual component is much more effective in capturing the attention of a young audience, as all eyes and ears will be focused on the dramatic show. 

An important focus of the tour was encouraging adolescents to find their passion, no matter what anyone else has to say about it.

“We’re showing you the results of what happens when you find something you’re really passionate about and stick with it long enough”, Dane Beardsley states.

Speaking from his own experience, Zach Newman, one of the tour’s bikers, wants teens not to let negativity stray them away from what they are most passionate about. In the early years of his biking journey, he was made fun of for his lack of an expensive bike and for being on the smaller side. He states that he “ stuck out like a sore thumb.” Thankfully, Zach held on to his goals and became one of the best in his field, overcoming his struggles.

 In addition to the biking team, accompanying them were four marines who personally represent Foran High School , and are hoping to change the narrative of the military. “A misconception in the military is that if you have mental health issues you get kicked out,” Staff Sergeant Orbien, says,  “we make sure that anyone struggling with mental health gets help.” 

Mental health is not something that should be shunned or brushed over. The members of this tour aim to show adolescents that no matter what they are going through, they can achieve their goals and succeed in their passion.