On Saturday, over 1,000 students, families, and community members gathered at Celebration High School for the 4th Annual “Chalk Away Hate” event, an anti-bullying initiative led by District One Osceola County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry. The event, organized in partnership with The Salvation Army, transformed the high school grounds at Celebration into a vibrant, glow-in-the-dark celebration of kindness, with art, entertainment, and prizes encouraging positivity and unity.
From 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., attendees were treated to a memorable evening filled with activities, prizes, and appearances by popular social media influencers. The event also featured the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Osceola County Fire Rescue, the Osceola Library System, and local food trucks. Guests also enjoyed bounce houses, games, and the highlight of the evening—a massive “Chalk Away Hate” art area, where students created hundreds of glow-in-the-dark messages of kindness, love, and respect.
“This event has been a true labor of love and commitment to our community. Bullying is a serious issue, and ‘Chalk Away Hate’ provides a way for us to come together, speak out, and promote kindness,” said Commissioner Choudhry. “Seeing so many families here tonight proves that Osceola County is united in standing against hate and supporting one another.”
The evening was packed with excitement, with over $25,000 in free prizes awarded, including laptops, Apple Watches, and other technology gifts. The event’s popularity reached new heights this year, marking the highest attendance in its history. By hosting the event on a high school campus, “Chalk Away Hate” received significant support from the Osceola School District, reflecting the community’s collective dedication to combating bullying in schools.
Athena Choudhry, daughter of Commissioner Choudhry and local entrepreneur, helped emcee the evening and was thrilled by the strong turnout. “It’s amazing to see so many young people standing up for kindness. It really shows the power of our community when we all come together for a positive cause,” Athena shared. “Every message created tonight is a step towards a brighter, kinder future for Osceola County.”
Joining the Choudhrys in hosting duties was Major Ken Chapman, the Salvation Army Area Commander for Osceola and Orange Counties, who shared his thoughts on the event’s impact. “When we see young people leading the way, it’s a powerful reminder of the good we can create in the world. This event, with all its color, creativity, and community spirit, reflects the best of who we are as a county,” he said.
In addition to the festivities, attendees were invited to participate in transportation services, allowing those without access to easily join the event. With social media stars from platforms like TikTok and Instagram also on hand, the event fostered a lively, energetic environment that celebrated inclusivity and acceptance.
Commissioner Choudhry and her team encourage everyone in Osceola County to stay connected and participate in future community events. For more details on “Chalk Away Hate” and other upcoming initiatives, reach out to her office at (407) 742-2387 or email Peggy.Choudhry@osceola.org. Join Osceola County’s movement to spread kindness and #ChalkAwayHate.
