When Corey Thornton walks into class at Bardmoor Elementary School in Seminole , the kids know it’s going to be a fun day.
- This week's Everyday Hero is Corey Thornton
- He talks to students about dangers of bullying
- Want to nominate an Everyday Hero? Click here
A Pinellas County native and musician, Thornton has spent years volunteering his time at schools delivering a message to inspire, motivate and educate.
“If you want to be successful you gotta’ get an education. You gotta’ put that work in. This all makes sense once you get older,” Thornton said.
He calls it edutainment and he sums it up like this.
“Take a stand. Show some love and spread the peace,” Thornton said.
One of the most important subjects Thornton talks about is bullying. Something he experienced as a kid.
And his hit song, “Don’t Bully Me,” hits the nail on the head.
“I rap the song and then when I’m done I ask students what have you learned? I share real life tips about things that are going on in the world and that seems to be the most thing they can connect with,” Thornton said.
He’s quick to encourage these youngsters to have kind words for each other.
And to share a little love in the room.
“They work so hard every day. Why don’t we stand up and give the teacher a hug,” Thornton said.
And these 4th graders are more than happy to give that hug to Miss Vance.
Thornton is a rap star gift wrapping a message of hope.
“If you can start reaching kids while they’re young, maybe by being that mentor, that positive role model, you can encourage them to make smart choices,” Thornton said.