Video of Students Helping Peer Lose Weight Goes Viral
(CBS) — A video posted on the Facebook wall of Michael McGrone Sr., principal of Rich South High School in Matteson, Illinois has gone viral, with more than 11 million views since it was published on March 4.
"These brothers chose to stay after school to support their peer lose weight. They promised to be with him every step of the way until he has met his weight loss goal. This is true love and show of support!"
In the video, two young men clap and share words of encouragement as they run on a treadmill with a third student. "Helping a brother lose that weight, that's what we do."
On March 7, McGrone posted a second video.
"Rich South H.S. District 227 is not just a place of learning, but [a] place where we restore hope, rebuild dreams and save lives! These students came to school on their day off to support "Nemo" on his journey to lose weight."
As this video begins, the student referred to as Nemo sits with a water bottle in his hands, looking fatigued. With his peers' encouragement, he slowly rises and begins a set up jumping jacks. "If you look up you can get up," says a person in the background.
McGrone's Facebook's page is filled with inspirational pictures, videos and quotes such as this, "Rich South H.S., the best school in America. Together we make it happen!"
CBS 2's Mike Puccinelli spoke with Nehemiah Cole, the student at the center of the video. Watching it go viral has been almost surreal for this 18-year-old.
"I didn't sleep," Cole said. "I watched it go from three million to seven million all in one night."
Rich South sophomore James Parris is seen in the video clapping.
"Our thing is to help our brothers, so I wanted to be our brother's helper, Parris said.
Nehemiah's exercise program is actually part of a larger mentoring program. Since it was started two months ago, students say it's totally changed the culture of the school.
"It feels good to know that people are actually supporting me," Cole said. "Before, I never had this much support."
Principal McGrone says the number of physical altercations among Rich South's 1,100 students is down by more than 90 percent and Nehemiah and his classmates say they now know the example they set within the school's hallways may be seen far beyond the schools walls.
In the first week, Cole has already lost five pounds. He hopes to lose all 90 pounds before going to college next fall.