Boulder Hill Elementary Hosts Jarrett Payton to Talk Bullying

Student bullying has become a hot button issue, as now one in seven kids report being a victim of bullying at school.

Enter Jarrett Payton, son of the great NFL running back Walter Payton.

Greg Siebert, owner of local Proforma Awards Print & Promotions, with the help of Meredith DeLeo took a step toward ending the bullying problem by sponsoring Jarrett Payton to speak to more than 600 staff and students at Boulder Hill Elementary School in Oswego District 308.

Payton came to the elementary school and presented his program, “Project: NO BULL,” an anti-bullying platform that uses humor and personal stories to educate and engage the students. The students are taught ways to find common ground with classmates and learn to respect each other’s differences.

“It was an honor to have Jarrett Payton speak to the kids about the dangers and harmful impact of bullying,” said Siebert. “To have such a respected role model come to the school sends a powerful message to the students that this is a serious topic.”

Siebert and DeLeo learned about Payton’s program after he became a client of Proforma Awards Print & Promotions, a local provider of complete marketing solutions. Siebert and DeLeo along with Boulder Hill Elementary Principal Jeff Schafermeyer teamed up with Payton to bring the anti-bullying program to Boulder Hill Elementary to create awareness and encourage safe environments for the children.

Jarrett Payton played in five major college bowl games for the University of Miami. After college he played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Tennessee Titans, and in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Toronto Argonauts and Montreal Alouettes. He also spent time playing in Europe as well.  Payton signed with the Chicago Slaughter Indoor Football League (IFL) in January, 2010. 

Editor's Note: Special thanks to Proforma for providing the photos and information.