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Harlem Globetrotters player speaks to area school about bullying prevention

Photo courtesy of Darlene Coogan
Shaw came to Queen of Peace Catholic Academy on Feb. 27 to speak about the "ABCs of Bullying Prevention."

"Slick" Willie Shaw of the Harlem Globetrotters visited the Queen of Peace Catholic Academy Wednesday to deliver a message on "The ABCs of Bullying Prevention."

The presentation focuses on action, bravery and compassion, or the ABCs of preventing bullying, according to the Globetrotters' website, and was designed by the Globetrotters in coordination with the National Campaign to Stop Violence.

The player is in Gainesville to promote the Globetrotters game in the Stephen C. O'Connell Center next week and visited the academy as part of the Globetrotters community outreach, said Ruby Ramirez, spokeswoman for the Harlem Globetrotters.

Darlene Coogan, community representative for the Queen of Peace Catholic Academy, located at 10900 SW 24th Ave., said Shaw was interactive and kept the children engaged, even calling on some of the students and staff member Derek Maddux to join in the presentation.

"He ran around and gave high-fives to everyone as he was leaving," she said.

Coogan said the school has many programs focused on bullying prevention, and Shaw's visit helps reinforce the message because the students can hear about anti-bulling from someone who they view as "cool."

This is the Globetrotters' second visit to the Queen of Peace Catholic Academy.

"We really appreciate the Globetrotters and what they do," Coogan said.

After visiting the Queen of Peace Catholic Academy, Shaw met and visited with students at Saint Patrick Interparish School, 550 NE 16th Ave., said Ramirez.

Jensen is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.