A former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter and a war hero may be unlikely duo to teach inclusion and tout an anti-bullying mantra, but that was exactly the scenario this week at Menands Union Free School when representatives of Sweethearts & Heroes met with students during a series of assemblies.
Sweethearts & Heroes is a student empowerment and empathy organization that brings a strong anti-bullying message to schools while empowering students with tools such as empathy and knowing when and how to act.
“It was an excellent presentation, and I am very proud of the way our students embraced the ideals and message shared by Tom and Rick,” said Principal Kathleen
Wylie.
Tom Murphy, a retired MMA champion, and Rick Yarosh, a Purple Heart recipient and motivational speaker who was burned severely while serving in the military in Iraq, shared their message of hope and inclusion to students of all grade levels throughout the school day on Sept. 17.
“For a six-year-old to see someone like me for the first time can be very scary; we tend to hide and shield children from this and it’s not doing them any favors,” said Yarosh as he spoke outside of the presentation. While being interviewed, Yarosh was greeted by a long line of first graders who waved, smiled and called out his name as they passed him in the hallway.
During the presentation, the duo spoke to students about the role they have in creating a school culture of kindness. Whether Murphy was portraying his Mr. Incredible persona, or the pair were speaking in plain language, they interacted in a way that connected with students and made them feel heard and valued.
“This was great,” said one sixth grade student as he left the presentation.
Fourth grade student Astrid McNamara agreed.
“I think it was fun and interesting … basically all of it was a learning opportunity,” she said. 
For more than 16 years, Sweethearts & Heroes has presented what Murphy calls “‘the ‘stop, drop and roll’ of bullying” to more than 2.5 million students in school districts from New England to Hawaii and north into Canada.