S. Dearborn Freshman, Ex-UFC Fighter Chris Lytle Team To End Bullying

By Travis Thayer South Dearborn HS freshman Alyssa Baker presents Chris Lytle, of the Chris Lytle Foundation, with a check for $930. Photo by Travis Thayer, Eagle Country 99.3. (Aurora, Ind.) – South Dearborn High School students and faculty gathered Wednesday in an effort to end bullying once and for all. This past October, South Dearborn freshman Alyssa Baker organized the Heal, Don’t Hurt Run and Walk at the high school track. The event was a huge success as approximately 125 community members participated, raising over $900 to be donated to the Chris Lytle Foundation. “I have decided to donate the money to Chris because my family are big MMA fans, and I love everything his foundation stands for,” Alyssa said. Alyssa, who says she was bullied when she was younger, used her past experiences as inspiration for the event. On Wednesday, Alyssa presented Chris Lytle with a check for $930, which his non-profit will use to raise awareness to stop autism, suicide, bullying, domestic violence, rape and sexual assault. “I was blown away. It took me a long time to understand and develop these feeling I had to actually want to do something,” said Lytle. “To have somebody who’s in high school set this up and to try and go out and attack a feat like this was impressive to me.” Lytle, an Indianapolis native and former Ultimate Fighter, was unable to attend the walk in October as he was training a colleague in Australia. However, Lytle scheduled a date to come to South Dearborn to speak to the students. “Its super impressive to me and super amazing that somebody has the foresight and the ability and maturity to understand the importance of what we are talking about,” Lytle said. During his presentation, Lytle challenged the students to stand up for those who are being bullied. He added that the school has been given bracelets with an anti-bullying message, but they will not be available for purchase. Instead, they will be earned by taking a stand. "Today we’ll be another step closer to ending bullying, so let’s stand up, speak out and stop bullying,” Alyssa said. RELATED STORIES:  PHOTOS: Heal, Don’t Hurt Walk Takes Stand Against Bullying S. Dearborn Freshman Invites Community To Walk To End Bullying