Brian Hagberg
WARREN, Pa. – As an exceptionally trying academic year nears its end, former professional wrestling champion turned motivational speaker Marc Mero will be back in Warren County on Wednesday.
Mero, a former boxer, football player, and professional wrestler will be making his third appearance in the county as a motivational speaker. He spoke to Warren County School District students in December 2017, then again (along with a community presentation) in February 2018.
In the wake of three suicides in the district this academic year, Alicia Gatto said “many requests” were made to bring Mero back to speak not only to students but to the community as well.
“In light of recent tragedies in our Community, many requests have been made to bring Marc Mero back to Warren County to speak to our children,” Gatto said. “He is looking forward to returning and expressing his support and encouragement for our youth.”
Mero is scheduled to present at Eisenhower, Sheffield, Youngsville, and Warren Area High Schools, as well as Beaty-Warren Middle School during the day Wednesday, before speaking at a free community event at 7 p.m. at Struthers Library Theatre.
Using his own life experiences, Mero speaks to students about bullying, goal-setting, substance abuse, and suicide prevention. Those topics are presented through the lens of making choices.
“While on the path to becoming a professional boxer, Marc’s life took a drastic turn, and his athletic career was sidelined for ten years,” Mero’s website says. “Then at the age of 31, he entered the wrestling ring and achieved fame as a WCW and WWE Wrestling Champion. For 14 years, Marc entertained audiences worldwide as “Johnny B. Badd,” “Wildman” Marc Mero, and “Marvelous” Marc Mero – reaching the pinnacle of athletic success — and then lost it all to bad choices.”
Gatto noted that Mero’s presentation “can be emotional for some attendees,” and that it is recommended for those in grades 6 and up.
“Marc presented to Warren County schools in December 2017 and February 2018, as well as to Warren County during a community presentation,” Gatto said. “He made an incredibly large impact on the students and families during those events. Many students reached out to him privately following the assemblies and Marc responded to each and every one. We are so blessed and grateful for this opportunity.”
Those wishing to attend the free public event Wednesday night are asked to arrive by 6:45 p.m.
