Standing 6'4 and weighing 260 pounds, Wayne Soares seems like the last person who would have been bullied as a kid.

The former ESPN broadcaster and Falmouth native, however, was bullied in school. Now, Soares brings the commanding voice he used on the radio to impress on kids and parents alike the need to end bullying.

"I said I would work myself into championing the boy who's a little overweight," said Soares, beginning his presentation to parents in Old Rochester Regional High School's auditorium September 19. "Or the little girl with red hair and freckles."

Soares was brought to ORR to present to the junior high and senior high classes.

"During the day we held two assemblies at the high school and one at the junior high," said ORR High School Assistant Principal Mike Parker. "We wanted somebody light and different."

Soares is certainly different. No powerpoints. No forums. No frills. Just a voice and a story and a message.

"They [bullies] are like barracudas," said Soares to the assembly of parents. "They will feed on silence."

The message is to take action. To stop bullying by making sure bullies know their actions are cowardly.

"Don't let those kids get lost in the shuffle," Soares exhorts parents, reminding them that even if their children don't bully, they likely know of a child who is struggling. He asks them to reach out to those children.

"Elizabeth, my seventh grader, is in school here for the first year so this is great," said Mattapoisett resident Bill Foley, standing in line with other parents to meet Soares after the talk.

For more information about Wayne Soares or his anti-bullying efforts, check him out on Facebook here or at www.waynesoares.com.