St. Joseph School, in celebration of Catholic Schools Week, welcomed award-winning Pro-bmx flatland rider, Matt Wilhelm to their school on Tuesday, January 31st. Wilhelm’s most recent appearances on TV's "America's Got Talent" brought his talents further into the public eye. While all were wowed by his stunning bike moves at St. Joseph, it was his message that many looked forward to.
St. Joseph parents and co-chairs of this year's Catholic Schools Week, Katie Eschenbach and Kristi Fera contacted Wilhelm on the recommendation of parent, Noreen Woods, who had seen his presentation and performance in the past. "His program is so positive. His anti-bullying message, paired with his talent, is so well-received and understood by the students," said Woods. Principal Rita Stasi agrees. “Wilhelm’s message fits right in here at St. Joseph. We work to create a safe and supportive environment for our students while creating a type of family atmosphere for them to succeed.”
Like many schools in the area, St. Joseph works closely with the Human Service Division of the Downers Grove Township Office to bring preventative programs into the school. Township employees, Jason Shiliga and Rebecca Adelman work to bring these programs locally. “We continue to try different techniques that allow for interactive and fun ways to discuss bullying and discover a better understanding of empathy,” said Shiliga. They update their program’s curriculum on a yearly basis and use a variety of techniques to teach their material, allowing for individual and group participation. “The township office provides a wonderful Character Education program, which they bring to our sixth graders,” said Stasi. “Wilhelm compliments their program and delivers the message with a punch.”
Wilhelm also carries with him a string of accomplishments, which he shares with the students. But those accomplishments, he admits, were not easy.
His interest in bmx flatland riding began 20 years ago, as an eighth grader. Upon discovering the bmx bike, Wilhelm's wish was to race his bike. But when a bullying conflict arose, he turned his interest to discovering tricks on his bike and the rest is history. His entertainment is blended with stories of overcoming obstacles and dealing with bullies. His message is strong and visual as he uses his own "Matt Wilhelm X-Games" poster to demonstrate just how hurtful bullying can be.
“Everyone wants an autograph, right?,” he asks the crowd as he describes how much value can ride on the right autograph. But, while offering his autograph on a poster, he demonstrates how signing the name offered him by bullies is not of any value. He goes on to explain that the stronger person walks away from the bullies and that friends look out for each other. His unique display draws interest and blends beautifully with his bike demonstrations.
Wilhelm worked on developing his bike tricks for 12 years before being invited as a pro to compete. He admitted to the students that his first attempt was a total failure. His first competition in the 2000 X-Games put him in last place. He didn't let that stop him. He went home and practiced that much harder. Returning in 2001, he took the X-Games Bronze Medal. He now holds three X-Games medals and has been honored with two National titles (2002 & 2011).
Wilhelm had to work for his success, he told the students. He practices every day with friends. In order to get onto "America's Got Talent," he joined a YouTube competition in the summer of 2011. He received the most votes, which put him into the show's semi-finals. His efforts made him one of the top 24 with more than 100,000 auditioning. He also appeared on and took the top prize on FOX TV’s “30 Seconds to Fame.” He explained that it was his persistence that brought him success.
Despite all of his awards and prizes for work on his bmx bike, Wilhelm stressed the importance of college. He explained how his saxaphone brought him a music scholarship, which helped him work his way through Millikin University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, all while competing on his bike.
Students were amazed by Wilhelm’s bike moves, especially when he jumped over three of their very brave teachers. Parents and teachers appreciated his openness. His strong message seemed to be heard by the students. “The whole gym seemed mesmerized by his awesome message, his spectacular tricks and his upbeat energy,” said Eschenbach. “The school was riveted!”
While Wilhelm was busy closing up his equipment, the school bell rang. In ran a smiling second grader, Sarah Kippes, who announced to Wilhelm, “I am going to do a report on you!” When asked if it was an assignment by her teacher, she responded, “No. I’m doing it myself. I am also doing a report on Abraham Lincoln.”
Wilhelm left St. Joseph School with a smile on his face knowing that he ranked right up there with Abraham Lincoln, at least in a second grader’s eye.
