Local DJ creates anti-bullying song for Desert View High School student

Gilbert Ybarra's song "Stand Up Strong" supports 14-year-old Ruben Perez after brutal attack

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Gilbert Ybarra, a local DJ in Tucson, Arizona, created a song called "Stand Up Strong" in support of 14-year-old Ruben Perez, a Desert View High School student who was brutally beaten by classmates and is now recovering at home. Ybarra says his own experiences being bullied in middle school inspired him to act, and he used artificial intelligence to help put the song together.

Why it matters

This story highlights the impact of bullying on young students and the power of community members to take action and spread awareness through creative means like music. It also demonstrates how technology like AI can be leveraged to quickly respond to important issues.

The details

Ybarra says he was moved to create the song after seeing reports of the attack on Ruben Perez. He used his own experiences with bullying in middle school as inspiration and worked quickly to write lyrics and produce the song "Stand Up Strong" using AI tools.

  • The attack on Ruben Perez occurred on Thursday.
  • Ybarra created the song shortly after learning about the incident.

The players

Gilbert Ybarra

A local DJ in Tucson, Arizona who created an anti-bullying song in support of a high school student who was attacked.

Ruben Perez

A 14-year-old student at Desert View High School in Tucson who was brutally beaten by classmates and is now recovering at home.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Seeing that pulled up so many memories, and I'm going to jot this down on paper and what I can come up with, and I started writing up lyrics, and before you know it I already had a full song.”

— Gilbert Ybarra, Local DJ (KGUN9.com)

The takeaway

This story demonstrates how community members can use their talents and platforms to take a stand against bullying and support vulnerable students. Ybarra's quick action to create an empowering song highlights the power of the arts to spread awareness and promote positive change.