Bullied HS student has concussion

SMITHFIELD, Va. (WAVY) - For 16-year-old Amanda McAlpin, school is a necessary means to an end.

"I dread it, I hate it," said McAlpin.

McAlpin wants to be a physical therapist, but first she needs to finish high school.

"I've had continued bullying, it's not easy," McAlpin continued.

Her mom said what happened Friday in gym class doesn't make it any easier.

"She said a person beamed me in the back of the head with a basketball," said Tracy McAlpin.

McAlpin said it was intentional.

"I sat up, I was shocked, stunned and as I started walking around, my vision was kind of blurry," said Amanda.

"Eventually I couldn't see at all," she continued.

McAlpin said she didn't tell her gym teacher or any other Smithfield High School administrators, out of fear the bullying would continue.

"If I did, I knew it would get worse and worse and worse."

She did tell her mom, who took Amanda to the Emergency Room because she was vomiting, dizzy and couldn't see.

According to a medical report the family shared with 10 On Your Side, Amanda has a concussion and brain injury.

"In my left eye all I see is a blur of color," said McAlpin.

Amanda admits that morning, prior to the incident, her eye was bothering her.

"It was my left eye, I couldn't read with it."

Doctors told Amanda's parent the symptoms may or may not go away in six weeks.

"I'm afraid that I won't get a driver's license or this will affect my career path," said McAlpin.

In a statement released to 10 On Your Side, Isle of Wight County Public Schools spokesperson Katherine Goff said:

"School administrators are currently investigating reports of the incident and following all school division procedures and policies. The division cannot comment on ongoing investigations, results of investigations, or any disciplinary measures. The division's policy is to investigate all reports of bullying. Educational programs regarding appropriate student conduct take place from elementary school through high school. Additionally, we are proud to support the Smithfield High School Student Executive Committee's anti-bullying program, which initiated peer mentoring and anti-bullying pledge for students this year. However, claims that a video exist are false."

"I would like to see the student at least suspended," said Tracy McAlpin.

"I'm trying to make bullies understand that forcing their pain on someone else isn't a good thing," said Amanda McAlpin.

The Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office said it will not release its report on the incident while the investigation is underway.