Bullied girl whose hair was set on fire earns bravery award, hair makeover

OVERBROOK (WTXF) - A bullied Overbrook teenager, whose hair was set on fire last month, is being honored for her bravery by an anti-bullying organization.

Nevaeh Robinson, 13, is feeling loved, and she and her family are trying to put the frightening ordeal behind them.

"One of the worst days of my life. I never thought I would get that kind of call," said mother Tanya Robinson.

The eighth grader at Samuel Gompers Elementary School was walking to the bus stop on Oct. 16 when a 13-year-old boy took a lighter to her hair at 57th Street and Malvern Avenue in Wynnefield.

"I was very scared because I didn't know what to do at the time," Nevaeh said. "I was just panicking,"

Nevaeh was able to pat the flames out with her hands. Her family rushed her to the hospital, where she was treated for first-degree burns on her head.

"It was traumatizing," said Nevaeh.

The perpetrator, a male classmate, has since been arrested and no longer attends the school, according to Tanya.

Now, Nevaeh is moving forward, and Teach Anti Bullying is in her corner.

The organization recognized the teen with its Medal of Courage and arranged a hair makeover for her at Nikki Dean Hair Studio.

"It made me feel important," Nevaeh said. "It was nice to know people were out there to help do my hair and care."

"She's just a brave young lady and it really touched my heart," said Dr. Claudio Cerullo, CEO and founder of Teach Anti Bullying. "We had to reach out and do something for her."

"It actually brought tears to my eyes, just to see how nice people could be," said mother Tanya Robinson. "The community support, just everyone caring about my baby. That made me happy."

Nevaeh was all smiles as the stylists worked their magic, giving Nevaeh the star treatment.

"She's my little personal hero," said Tanya.

The mother hopes her daughter's case will propel the school district to teach students how to intervene when they witness bullying firsthand.