Local students interact with Ozzie Newsome

NORWALK — The Norwalk Middle School seventh-grade Future Ready students listened and interacted this week with Hall of Fame football player Ozzie Newsome. The Heart of a Hall of Famer Program connected by Extreme Networks is a free program that provides students the opportunity to learn first-hand what it took beyond athletic ability for legendary Hall of Famers to achieve success on and off the football field. The program focuses on the Hall of Fame values of commitment, integrity, courage, respect and honesty. Throughout the school year, Norwalk Middle School hosts remote programs with Hall of Famers to speak to students around the country. Past participants have included Jerome Bettis, Orlando Pace, Marshall Faulk, Franco Harris, Tony Dungy, Isaac Bruce and many more. Teracher Chris Jackson and his 100-plus students participate in the program. Many Heart of a Hall of Famer Programs are themed around various National Observances throughout the year. These programs focus on topics including, but not limited to, Hispanic-Heritage Month and the NFL's Salute to Service program.