The Recorder on February 19, 2026
Highland County Public Schools recently hosted a performance of “All Hands On Deck,” presented by Silver Line Theatre Exchange in collaboration with Bath Community Hospital. The play was based on the Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center Curriculum, which has been promoting bullying prevention since 2006.
MONTEREY — Highland County Public Schools recently hosted a performance of “All Hands On Deck,” presented by Silver Line Theatre Exchange in collaboration with Bath Community Hospital. The initiative aimed to empower fourth and fifth-grade students at Highland County Elementary School.
The play was made possible through donations, including a grant from the Bath County Arts Association, which funded the commissioning of the production. written by Claire Wittman and directed by Jeremy West. The performance not only entertained but also served as a powerful educational tool, based on the Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center Curriculum, which has been promoting bullying prevention since 2006.
Following the performance, students participated in a talk-back session led by Eric Gutierrez, a licensed professional counselor with Bath Community Physician’s Group. Eric engaged the students in a thoughtful discussion about the myths and facts surrounding bullying, equipping them with strategies to handle potential bullying incidents and encouraging open communication to build their confidence. Eric serves in a full-time capacity thanks to a grant from The Virginia Health Care Foundation.
Eric Gutierrez, a licensed professional counselor with Bath Community Physician’s Group, led a discussion with Highland County Elementary School fourth and fifth-grade students following a presentation of “All Hands On Deck” recently. Eric engaged students in a discussion about the myths and facts surrounding bullying, equipping them with strategies to handle potential bullying incidents and encouraging open communication to build their confidence. (Photos courtesy Bath Community Hospital)
The students also explored the world of theatre as a stimulating outlet for expression, thanks to the performances of the show’s actors.
“We believe that storytelling and education are powerful tools for fostering a nurturing environment for our youth,” said Gutierrez. “The discussions we had today were vital in helping students understand bullying and empowering them to speak up and support one another.”
Silver Line Theatre Exchange, located in Staunton, is an education-led theatre company offering classes and performance opportunities for students in grades PK-12. The group connects regional professional actors and aspiring artists with performance and teaching opportunities.
Dr. James “Nick” Nycum, superintendent of Highland County Public Schools, said, “’All Hands On Deck’ delivered a powerful, age-appropriate message on bullying to our fourth and fifth-grade students. This initiative sparked meaningful conversations and reinforced the importance of building a strong, supportive school community as students prepare for middle and high school.”
The Virginia Health Care Foundation is a unique public-private partnership established by the Virginia General Assembly to increase access to primary care for uninsured and underserved Virginians. The foundation serves as a catalyst for innovation, promoting and funding community-based initiatives that improve health care access.
Through its grant-making, technical assistance, and leadership, VHCF helps strengthen the health care safety net, supports free clinics and community health centers, and facilitates the enrollment of eligible Virginians in health insurance programs.
For more information, visit Bath Community Hospital’s Stop Bullying Task Force at bathhospital.org/community/stop-bullying-task-force.