Atlanta Falcons encourage Bibb County students to be confident with ‘Peek Behind the Beak’
"We're all human and we all have something going on," Legg said. "So hopefully they can learn to overcome some of those setbacks and go chase their dreams, figure out what they want to be and do when they grow up, and stop and realize everyone is going through something, and give someone a hug, because life is short, sweet and precious."
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Representatives of the Atlanta Falcons visited a pair of Bibb County High Schools on Monday to present their “Peek Behind the Beak” shows.
The presentation encourages students to be confident and authentic and features the team’s mascot “Freddie” as well as the real person behind the character, Jeremy Legg.
“For a few years now, we have been trying to get this message out, because it’s all about taking off your mask and living your true self,” Legg said. “Talent, passion and purpose. We go through a lot of stuff that Freddie the performer has overcome.”
The event was filled with juniors and seniors. Legg says he hopes this will help students realize the potential they have to succeed in life.
“We’re all human and we all have something going on,” he said. “So hopefully they can learn to overcome some of those setbacks and go chase their dreams, figure out what they want to be and do when they grow up, and stop and realize everyone is going through something, and give someone a hug, because life is short, sweet and precious.”
Rutland High School Principal Dr. Wendy Pooler says there are students with many different backgrounds and issues, but that doesn’t mean they all can’t work together for a common goal of a stronger community.
“We want the students to know we are a community, and if one of us is suffering, all of us are suffering,” Pooler said. “But on the other side, I want them to see we are also built on different nationalities, different backgrounds. We teach inclusiveness, and everyone is different, but everyone brings something to the table that will make us stronger.”
Rutland junior, October Cavanaugh says she took so much from this event.
“He talked about mistakes he’s made, and it reminds me that mistakes are meant to be made as a human, and I can change my mind whenever I need to,” Cavanaugh said.
During the program, the students had an opportunity to win Atlanta Falcons gear, including Freddie Falcon items.
After the stop at Rutland, a similar presentation was held at Westside High School.
