Wrestlers from the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) shared an anti-bullying message with students, many of whom are from military families, at Oceanway Middle School in Jacksonville, Dec. 8.

The "Be a STAR" (Show Tolerance and Respect) program is a WWE outreach program that promotes positive methods of social interaction and encourages people to treat others as equals and with respect. The program, which was founded in April 2011, sends WWE "Superstars" and "Divas" into schools with an inspirational anti-bullying message targeted at seventh and eighth-graders.

The message from the event was positive because it acknowledged real things that happen in children's lives, according to Chief Navy Career Counselor Kelly Walker, whose daughter attends seventh grade at the school and who is the PTA president.

"I think it's great, because kids can be mean over the simplest things, and there can be serious bullying happening," Walker said. "I think the message was very relevant and powerful and hopefully the kids took something from it."

"We are here for the WWE to make sure every student is treated with tolerance and respect and all of your differences are celebrated," said WWE Diva Charlotte.

Charlotte shared the stage with Superstars Mark Henry and Mike "The Miz" Mizanin, who all shared personal stories about times when they were bullied or told they couldn't accomplish a goal.

"When I was your age, I wanted to be on the basketball team. I tried so hard, and everyone told me I was too small, but you know what, I made that basketball team," said The Miz.

The entertainers' stop at Oceanway Middle School was part of a day for their 13th annual "Tribute to the Troops," which ended with a show at the Jacksonville Veteran's Memorial Arena.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Southeast, visit www.navy.mil/.