Gary Weart is a retired North Carolina public school teacher, author, and lifelong advocate for education and school safety. After losing his eighth former student, Alex Freeman Orange to violence, he co-founded Students Against Violence Everywhere (S.A.V.E.) with student Angelina Bynum, in April 1989 to help prevent violence and create safer schools.
Today, the S.A.V.E. Promise Club includes more than 5,000 clubs in 49 states and some international chapters, empowering students and communities to promote safety and conflict management. Through this work, Gary has collaborated with mayors, governors, members of Congress, and two U.S. presidents to advance safer learning environments. In recognition of his service, he received the Presidential Service Award from President Bill Clinton in 1995.
https://www.sandyhookpromise.org
The author of A Teacher Shoots Back, Gary shares his experiences as a teacher, mentor, and community leader. Now, as a candidate for North Carolina Senate District 33, he is focused on strengthening school safety, supporting educators, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
“If pride of character be of worth at any time, it is when it disarms the efforts of malice.” – Thomas Jefferson, 1781
Gary Weart for NC Senate district 33 