What began with cruelty has been met with kindness across the Massapequa community.
After a disturbing bullying incident left 15-year-old Tyler RocheTilden feeling scared and isolated, dozens of his peers at Massapequa High School rallied to make sure he knew he wasn’t alone.
On Tuesday morning, student-athletes from the school’s football, boys soccer, and kickline teams surprised Tyler at his home with sports gear — then walked him safely to his homeroom.
Tyler’s mom, Gina Moscato, shared the moment on social media, saying the gesture lifted her son’s spirits.
“Tyler is not normally a sports guy, but he put the football hat on and was so excited, he didn’t take it off all day,” Moscato told Greater Long Island. “I hadn’t seen him smile like that in a while.”
A frightening encounter
Moscato said the support came just days after her son — who is on the autism spectrum and lives with severe anxiety — was cornered on his way home from a music lesson in Massapequa Park.
Tyler told his mom that about 30 kids surrounded him, hurled insults, spat on him, and threw rocks.
“He was left shaken,” Moscato said. “And I was determined to speak out. Parents need to step up. Yes, kids have to be responsible, but at the end of the day it starts at home and parents need to take accountability.”
A community steps up
Tyler was hesitant to return to school, worried about facing his bullies in the hallways.
But the kindness of his classmates has made all the difference, his mom said.
It’s not just the athletes showing up. Moscato said some seniors, who usually leave campus for lunch, are now staying behind to eat with Tyler.
“These are the kind of kids we have here,” said Massapequa’s varsity football coach, Kevin Shippos. “Great families.”
“For every bully, there are genuine, sweet, good kids,” Tyler’s mom added. “To the parents who are stepping up and showing these kids the difference between right and wrong — thank you.”
Moscato said the show of unity has left her both moved and hopeful.
“It’s just heartwarming. I’m so proud of them,” she said. “I hope they’re able to help other kids too. They are the future.
“They can change the world.”
Top: Massapequa High School surveillance footage of students rallying around Tyler RocheTilden this week. (courtesy)
