Introducing Hunter (10) from Texas as March 2025 Friend Mail Recipient 💝

Updated: 5 days ago

Texas 10-year-old "can no longer even think of the idea of school without getting scared."

Hunter's dad describes him as “very smart, independent, self-aware, and often shy.” The thoughtful 5th grader from Texas is always kind and eager to help, usually the first to open the door for others. He loves dogs, especially his own, Lulu, and he also loves TURTLES! He collects both stuffed dogs and turtle figures. Hunter recently organized a new binder for his 3rd collection - Pokémon cards! When he’s outside, you’ll find him riding his bike or scooter, or taking Lulu for walks. Indoors, he enjoys spending time on his electronics playing video games, composing music, and designing on building apps. Hunter has also been studying Taekwondo for over two years! When he grows up, this 10-year-old aspires to become a police officer, with a particular interest in detective work.

Hunter loves his dog, Lulu, and electronics! 💯

Before 5th Grade, Hunter had "tons of friends," but everything changed when a classmate targeted Hunter for bullying at the start of the school year. Hunter’s dad shared with KHOU-11 News that the bullying started with hurtful name-calling, including calling him "fat," but things took a darker turn in early September. For instance, the bully stole Hunter’s lunch, and even cruelly told him to "kill yourself."

Hunter was extremely hurt and told his parents about the bullying. The courageous 10-year-old described his experience to KHOU-11 News:

“It made me feel angry and sad, because I didn’t deserve to be called those things ... It’s made me really scared to go to school. It’s made me uncomfortable to be in school. It’s made me fear school, and I can no longer even think of the idea of school without getting scared.”

The traumatic situation was made worse by Hunter's feeling that the school administration did not fully believe him. As is often the case with bullying, it purposely occurred in spaces where adults and cameras weren’t present, leaving no witnesses. Hunter is now battling extreme anxiety, his dad says, and the family has sought help from doctors and counselors. In order to ensure both his physical safety and mental well-being, Hunter’s parents made the difficult decision to pull him out of school. His mom had to quit her job to begin online homeschooling for her son.

“It makes me feel upset that I can’t trust the school district to protect me or any other kids,” Hunter said, giving a voice to so many children living through bullying at school - and to many parents enduring the financial and heartbreaking consequences of unchecked bullying against their child.