My Name Made a Difference

Picture in your mind-that is, if you haven't already come across this-a 9- or 10-year-old child that has taken his or her own life because of bullying. Or how about a teenage high school girl who also takes her own life due to the fact she was raped and sexually assaulted inside the auditorium of her school? All of these children, regardless of their ethnicity, share one common factor as it pertains to bullying. They all share the lack of support at home and at school. Some parents are too busy to take the time to listen to their child, while teachers and administrators are busy telling the child to ignore. Bullying is at raging epidemic proportions, and it must cease. It has caused much violence in American schools, ranging from suicides to mass school shootings.

Don Lyons was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois. He is the third child of seven. He graduated from Manual High School located in Peoria, Illinois. Later in life, Don attended Illinois Central College and obtained his associate degree in special education. He then transferred to Bradley University in Peoria. Don worked for the local school district in Peoria as a special education teacher assistant while pursuing his teacher credentials. Don retired after 16 years of faithful service to his students. Don has adopted five children, and during his 25 years as a foster parent, he fostered over 100 children.