Harlem Globetrotter, Long Island Kids Take Shot At Stopping Bullying
ROOSEVELT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Harlem Globetrotter scored big with some Long Island schoolchildren Tuesday -- and vice versa.
Johnny "Hawk" Thomas, one of the team's star dunkers, praised kids during a rally at Washington Rose Elementary School in Roosevelt for doing their part to stop bullying, CBS 2's Maggie Ruper reported.
In November, students at the school begin reciting an anti-bullying pledge each day, a story covered by CBS 2.
The students' voices were heard by the Globetrotters and Thomas, who visited Washington Rose as part of the team's nationwide initiative against bullying -- and to reward the children with a program and, of course, a dazzling demonstration on the basketball court.
Thomas' message: "If you see one of your friends being picked on, it's your job to act upon that. It's up to you to stand up and make a difference."
To prevent bullying, the Globetrotters have a few tricks, and they start with the "ABCs": action, bravery and compassion.
Thomas, who said he was bullied himself as a kid, wanted to make sure each student understands what each of those words mean.
So far it's working.
"Everyone shouldn't bully, and you should be everyone's friends because you don't know what happens with people and their life out of school," student Jacoria Young said after the rally.
"We have the greatest students in the world," said Principal Clyde Braswell. "I can't be more proud of them."
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