Joliet Central hosts Team USA Athlete with anti-bullying message

On February 28, 2019, Joliet Central High School hosted Norris Frederick, an award-winning Team USA Long-Jumper and motivational speaker, who spoke about self-love and embracing differences as part of the American Licorice Company’s Sour Punch Candy “Embrace Your Punch” anti-bullying message.

Frederick shared his inspiring story with a large audience of students in the school auditorium.

In his childhood and teenage years, Frederick faced many challenges including homelessness and poverty, the murder of his father, the suicide of his best friend, and a violent gang presence on the streets. Frederick admits he resorted to acting out as a bully and class clown as a response to these pressures. Nonetheless, Frederick overcame these challenges and turned his life around through self-love and acceptance, making positive choices, and working hard in his athleticism and beyond.

In addition to accepting oneself, Frederick shared the importance of accepting others, “Everyone is fighting a challenge in his or her life. Don’t make it harder for the person next to you.”

Students then had the opportunity to meet Norris Frederick and speak to him one-on-one with any questions or comments inspired by his speech.

Joliet Central student Tyisha McGee spoke with Mr. Frederick after his presentation, and said, “This message was so real and relatable. It made me think about my own life.”

Pictured: Back Row: Tyisha McGee, Keaton Gregory, Shane Shourek, Norris Frederick, Carmen Nudo, Trayvon Evans; Front Row: Caliyah McGee, Carlos Hernandez, Briana Bulian, Daeshaunae Wooden, Carlos Rios-Camacho, Julissa Roman, Olivia Ratajczak