UPDATE: LANSING - Matt Epling, a young boy known for his smile, quirky personality, and interest in the arts, committed suicide after being bullied.

"Matt was assaulted his last day of school in 2002, as he left the 8th grade, by upperclassman as a welcome to high school hazing ritual," said Kevin Epling, Matt's father.

After Matt's death his family choose to take a stand against bullying. On December 6, 2011 Matt's Law, which requires every school district in Michigan to have an anti-bully policy, was passed.

Matt's father continues the fight against bullying. "It's 2013 and we're still at it." said Kevin Epling. Epling is currently working on the "Stand 4 Change" event which joins over 2.5 million students globally to take a stand against bullying. On May 3, 2013 millions join together, making it the largest one-day anti-bullying event.

"In grade nine they had a beat up Ralph day at school. It was a day where a lot of people would beat me up; they even made a poster. I remember seeing the poster and grabbing it and running away crying in the washroom. Something like that you'll never forget," said Frak.

Ralph decided to stand-up against bullying and now manages a Facebook group of over 4,000 members, called "I been bullied, so let's talk about it."

Ralph's advice to anyone who has been bullied is to "always be yourself. If you're always yourself there will be people out there who love you for who you are," said Ralph.

To get involved with the "Stand 4 Change" event visit www.defeatthelabel.com and to join Ralph's Facebook group search "I Been Bullied, So Lets Talk About It."




ORIGINAL STORY: LANSING - For most students school is a place of growth, friendships, and positive experiences; but for some it is a place of anxiety and fear due to bullying.