Templeton Middle School (TMS) students heard a powerful anti-bullying message from nationally recognized speaker and BMX biker Matt Wilhelm on March 6. Wilhelm travels the country sharing his story about safety, resiliency, kindness, positive solutions and maintaining a growth mindset. His encouraging message is shared during a high-energy BMX stunt show.
“Students were engaged during the incredible BMX demonstration, but what really stood out was the message behind it,” shares Templeton Middle School Principal Brad Hoffmann. “Matt encouraged students to support one another, stand up against bullying and continue working toward their goals even when things are difficult.”
Wilhelm has been visiting TMS for years. Templeton Middle School Student Council (TMSSC) sponsored the presentation as part of the ongoing efforts to promote a safe, respectful and supportive school environment for all students.
“When I was growing up, there were no X-games, BMX wasn’t in the Olympics and the bikers and skaters were often picked on,” explains Wilhelm. “I went through a pretty bad episode of bullying.”
Wilhelm shared personal stories from his own childhood and spoke to TMS students about how standing up for others and doing the right thing can be life changing. “My message today is that one person can make a difference. Someone stood up for me when I was this age, when I was in seventh grade and it changed my whole life around,” adds Wilhelm. “My message is to be someone’s Batman, that’s what I call it. To be a hero, to stand up for others and do the right thing.”
Wilhelm spoke about resilience using his own personal story about the many years of hard work and practice that resulted in being a three-time X-Games medalist and two-time BMX U.S. National Champion, and performing live on stage in front of 15 million people for “America’s Got Talent.”
“Matt’s message is so incredibly powerful for our middle schoolers to hear,” says TMSSC Advisor Dr. Mary Caucutt. “Words hurt and words matter and they last forever. That’s what kids so often don’t remember,” she adds. “We really want people to think about how everyday they can make a positive difference.”
“Opportunities like this help our students see that the choices they make every day matter,”explains Hoffmann. “Matt’s message about perseverance, kindness and believing in yourself really connects with our middle school students.”