Cody, Wyoming, is best known for “Buffalo Bill” Cody (its namesake) and for its outdoor rodeo. The town’s cowboys and cowgirls learn to ride from a young age, and are comfortable in their Western wear. Miss Wyoming’s Outstanding Teen Jessica Power is no exception. She may be stylish and know how to work the stage in heels and a crown, but this girl is a straight-shooting advocate for all four points of the crown, especially service.

Jessica’s platform, bullying and cyberbullying among preteens and teens, puts her on the front lines of her school’s anti-bullying policies. She makes herself available to other students who may experience or witness bullying. Her peers know they could come to her for guidance, anytime. Jessica’s biggest piece of advice? Don’t try to battle bullying alone. Get others, especially trusted adults, involved right away. It’s what saved her life. 

Parents “know you best and know how to comfort you. They’re always there to listen,” Jessica said. “Also, talk to someone of a higher power, like a teacher, a principal, the superintendent, or police, and try to get it resolved. As long as you report it, everyone is aware, and they’ll know how to stop it.”

Jessica knows her platform is more than a passing ship. It’s something increasing numbers of students are experiencing every day, at younger ages than ever before. Even her kindergarten-aged cousin experienced bullying. That’s why Jessica is using her work to get the attention of higher authorities. She says reform is needed, to stop the problem before it begins, and adds that there need to be more rules in place to inhibit bullies from striking. Bullies “get in trouble, but not to the extent it should be,” she notes. “I believe one hundred percent that the only way we’ll be able to get it to stop is by working along those lines. In my opinion, we need to bring the government to recognition of bullying in Wyoming. We need to figure out a way to handle this situation.” 

But Jessica won’t stop there. To continue her advocacy against this harmful trend, she aims to get a degree in family law and work with children who are rarely given the voice they need when suffering from all forms of bullying—emotional, verbal, and physical. As a two-year-old, Jessica was sexually abused by a former family member, and that first hand experience solidifies her need to ensure children have every opportunity to stand up for their rights. 

“I believe every child should have a voice when it comes to being abused,” Jessica said.

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Written by: Erika Fifelski, fourpoints staff writer, Photo: Jenn Cady