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YMCA Guest Speaker MLK III Rewards Anti-Bullying Crusaders

BROWARD (CBSMiami) – Martin Luther King III was the guest of honor at the YMCA of Broward County's annual MLK inspirational breakfast.

"I am honored to be here. I am concerned about this generation and generations unborn. Our most precious resources are our children,"  said King.

Sharing the spotlight with the pastor was a group of students from Lauderhill Middle School, honored for doing the right thing and making a difference. "I wanted to change the community and stop the violence," said Jeff Noel, an eighth grader at the school.

Last year, Neighbors for Neighbors shed light on a persistent bullying situation near Jeff's school.

The students started a campaign to create awareness about bullying incidents on the overpass walkway. "There was one night I was walking, I was coming from the Y program. When I get over there they just gang up on me," Kervens Jean-Louis said in February of 2012.

The group reached out to authorities at the school and the Florida Turnpike. Speaking before the school board, the students pleaded for safety measures like lights and security. Authorities listened and today there are lights and security near the overpass.

Amid a roomful of proud parents, mentors and professionals, the future leaders stood on stage and, one by one, were presented with a plaque by Martin Luther King III for their actions.

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