LAPEER, Michigan — Representatives from Hero Town USA were at Lapeer High School today to train about 40 LINKs Mentors on handling social situations across the spectrum. Founded in Flint, the Hero Round Table (HRT) is the world’s largest conference dedicated to real life heroism.

Many students in Lapeer and across the region have credited HRT Training for inspiring positive change in schools, advocacy for victims and constructive discourse.

LINKS is a peer-to-peer support system designed to aid students with autism. The program has produced far-reaching positive effects for students at all levels, and is currently being utilized in all our buildings.

“This training (for LINKs mentors) is the first of its kind for Michigan high school students,” said LHS teacher and sponsor, Aaron Romoslawski. “The LINKS mentors will be able to apply this training in school, life and, of course, LINKs.”

Students are challenged by the training to not sit idly by and wait for change to happen in their life, in their home and in their school. Instead, they are taught to be that change.

“We learn to go beyond what the norm is, what it takes to break the status quo — to make a difference,” said LHS senior Annika Grupp.

One of the most important facets of Hero Town USA training is that it has import across disciplines and demographics, categories and careers. You can be a hero today, where you are. Being a hero isn’t about having superhuman strength of body or wit. Ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

“Being a hero has all different kinds of qualities,” said senior Martin Flores. “You can do so much, and even a small amount can have a big effect.”