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Retro Bill, whose real name is Bill Russ, appeared Wednesday morning at David Brewer Elementary School dressed in his usual attire of flame-covered clothing and sporting a large pompadour. The motivational speaker visited two other Leavenworth schools later in the day. And he’s scheduled to visit more schools today and Friday.
This is the eighth year Retro Bill has visited Leavenworth schools, according to police Officer Mark Lingenfelser.
Lingenfelser serves as the Drug Abuse Resistance Education officer for the city and hosts Retro Bill each year.
The D.A.R.E. officer said he keeps bringing the motivational speaker back because of the way children react to him and the impact he has.
“They remember the message that he gives,” Lingenfelser said.
The officer said Retro Bill’s visit this year was paid for by donations from several local businesses as well as contributions by the Leavenworth school district and the Leavenworth Police Department.
Retro Bill appeared Tuesday at a D.A.R.E. festival in Bonner Spring that featured local students. Later in the day, he appeared at a Retro Bowling event in Leavenworth. Mayor Mark Preisinger presented a proclamation designating this week as D.A.R.E. and Retro Bill Week.
In addition to David Brewer, Retro Bill appeared Wednesday at Saint Paul Lutheran School and Henry Leavenworth Elementary School.
He’s scheduled to appear today at West Intermediate School, Anthony Elementary School and Earl M. Lawson Elementary School. He also is scheduled to appear at a luncheon for high school students who participated in D.A.R.E. role model lessons for fifth-graders.
Retro Bill is scheduled to wrap up his Leavenworth visit Friday morning with a presentation at the Xavier Elementary School’s intermediate campus.
He spent much his presentation to David Brewer students talking about name calling and how to respond when being put down.
He used props such as an oversized remote control.
“Boys and girls you all have one of these,” he said.
He encouraged them to come to school on the “positive channel.”
He also said students can pretend to hit the mute button when someone is teasing them.
During his presentation, Retro Bill asked Principal Jofee Tremain for her best piece of advice.
“Believe in yourself,” she said.
Physical education teacher Moses Manga later said he agreed with this advice.
When asked for advice, Lingenfelser encouraged students to “always make good choices.” |
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