Oscar Lama Recognized at the 26th annual Citizens of Courage Awards & Luncheon, presented by San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis

2015 Apr 22

Oscar Lama of Newport Beach was recognized at the 26th annual Citizens of Courage Awards & Luncheon, presented by San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. The annual ceremony recognizes victims of crime and people who have acted to directly prevent crime from occurring. Approximately 300 guests attend the ceremony, and attendees include many of San Diego county's top elected officials.

Lama was recognized for his role in establishing the Anti-Bullying Club at Army and Navy Academy (ANA). The club is designed to promote kindness and good character, with the slogan "It's Cool to be Kind." As a founder, Lama's goal was to spread the club's message throughout the county and expand its values into other schools.

One of the ANA Anti-Bullying Club's largest events this year was sponsoring Random Acts of Kindness Week in February. This event caught the attention of U-T San Diego writer, Pam Kragen. She wrote a story about the club's inception and goals that was published on February 7.

The story caught on throughout the community, and has led to some great opportunities for the club, including traveling to other schools to other schools to spread their message about the importance of kindness along with the serious consequences of bullying.

San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis also noticed the story, which inspired her to recognize Lama at the Citizens of Courage ceremony. She commended him for his work in putting a stop to the pervasive bullying epidemic that's sweeping the nation. When presented with the award, Lama thanked Anti-Bullying Club advisor, Dr. Ericka Walters, along with his family and fellow club members.

Citizens of Courage was a very inspiring event, and a great opportunity for the Anti-Bullying Club to continue spreading its message of kindness and respect for others.