ATLANTA, Nov. 2, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the latest research, everyday more than 160,000 students in the U.S. skip school to avoid being bullied. For those who are brave enough to go to school, 6 out of 10 of them witness bullying at least once each day.
Through his Be Someone nonprofit organization, Orrin "Checkmate" Hudson, author of "One Move at a Time" and national chess champion, travels around the globe teaching kids the game of life using chess as a metaphor. "Everyone can be someone if they simply make the right moves," says Hudson during his workshops. "Chess teaches not only consequences for choices but also respect for your opponent." That, stresses Hudson, is the key to stopping bullying behavior.
Orrin is a soldier on a mission to end bullying and help children make better decisions in life using a very unusual weapon: a chessboard. "The quest to end bullying is one of my biggest passions," said the former Alabama State Trooper who now leads an organization teaching young people the decisions they make can have lifelong consequences.
Speaking recently at his Stone Mountain, GA Be Someone training facility, Hudson said, "You are probably a lot like me, it hurts to hear about more young people wanting to skip school or end their life as a result of being bullied on campus or on-line. It has to stop and I know I can make a difference."
Hudson related a story recently told to him by one of his students….Patrick was afraid to go to school because David would intimidate him and take thing from him. "These stories break my heart."
Hudson founded the organization in 2001 after hearing about a robbery at a fast food restaurant in Queens New York where five people were murdered for $2,000. "Many people heard about that, shook their heads and went about their business," said Hudson. "I heard about it and couldn't sleep. I knew I had to do something to make a difference in the lives of young people."
Since then, Hudson and his Be Someone organization has mentored more than 20,000 students, and has had amazing success in increasing students' grade point averages, classroom participation and attendance. "I can guarantee you there will be behavior change after my workshops."
He is tireless in his zeal to put young, at risk people on the right track but he needs help to do that. He hopes his program's success will inspire others to volunteer their time and money to his organization. Hudson has a strong message for his current and future supporters. "When good people fail to act, evil prevails," said Hudson. "Get in the game. You can be a part of changing the world one move at a time."
Be Someone's mission is to teach youth strategic thinking skills and better life strategies through the game of chess.
To learn more about the award-winning programs, or to donate online to Be Someone, visit …. www.besomeone.org or call 770-465-6445
See Orrin on Good Morning America http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRK45lrLsR4
See Orrin on CNN http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY77Bwe-p7Y
See Orrin on CBS Early Morning Show http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4102591n