Bully Turns Mentor… Chad was the town’s star quarterback. In towns like ours, football games keep all united. But such was not always the case. In the past ,there was a separation between the haves and have nots- the athletes and the geeks. Back when Chad was in junior high he was a bully. He walked down the hallways and made fun of kids weaker than he. But, one day, he and the principal had a heart to heart talk. The principal said, “Chad, you know what?” Chad replied, “What? I didn’t do anything?” “That’s right. You didn’t do anything respectful.” “It has been reported you called Derek four eyes.” “You mocked CJ’s way of walking, and you inflicted pain on James.” “Why are you pestering?” “Why are you such a bully?” Chad’s eyes filled with tears. “Because my dad does the same to me.” The principal and Chad sat quietly while Chad sobbed uncontrollably. With that, the principal wisely said, “I can’t change what has been done. “ Let’s come up with a plan.” “Why don’t you protect rather than poke fun, pester, and neglect?” After that moment, Chad’s life gradually changed. He said hello to the nonathletic kids in school. He even made sure the big guys did not jump in front of the little guys while in the lunch line. Eventually, Chad assisted with Special Olympics.

This year, Chad’s football team made it to the state championship. The whole town was nervous. It was the last play of the game. The two-point conversion would win the game! Chad looked up at the crowd and saw his Special Olympics athletes dispersed within the pep club. He said to himself, “My ankle's hurting like a nail’s biting through it, but I will continue.” “If I make this quarterback sneak it will be for them!” He huddled his team together for one last gathering….”Let us win, but if we cannot win, let us be brave in the attempt!”