Speaker talks bullying with junior high students

GLADSTONE — The Relentless Tour, a state–wide anti–bullying initiative, made its way to schools in Delta County this morning.

Anthony Ianni, a member of multiple championship basketball teams at Michigan State University and a National Motivational Speaker for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, offered words of inspiration based on growing up with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He also sent a strong message to kids about bullying.

“Just be careful what you say and do to others, because you never know who that person’s going to be in life,” said Ianni. “They could be the next LeBron James, Miguel Cabrera, Mike Trout, whoever.”

“When Anthony speaks about the bullying, we see how the kids really look at him, and we hope that they can take this with them into their communities and their home, and we can combat bullying,” said Kelly Constantino, Sault Tribe Youth Education Services and Activities Coordinator.

This was the second time some of the students at Gladstone Junior High School got to hear Ianni’s words of wisdom.

“I just want the kids to remember that they’re part of a family here,” Ianni added. “They’re part of the Gladstone Braves family for life. I could tell that great things are going on here at Gladstone Junior High, and I hope that these kids carry on that change forever and ever, and hopefully when they’re older in their lives, they can try and make the same impact that they’re making today in their town.”

The Relentless Tour kicked off in the state capitol in mid–October, and has since featured the likes of people like Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley and MSU Basketball Coach Tom Izzo spreading the anti–bullying message.