A Cobb County assistant principal was heralded as a true, courageous American by a major national brand that is featuring stories of resilience for a promotional campaign.
Brad Cohen, who works at Addison Elementary School in Marietta, was one of several subjects featured by paper towel company Brawny to spread the word about their new "AmerICAN" Sweepstakes.
In a video, Cohen tells of his struggles growing up with Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by uncontrollable noises and tics.
“In school the mean kids, the bullies, would parade around me and mock my noises while I was trying to eat lunch by myself,” he said.
After a presentation to his classmates about the disorder, he knew he wanted to be a teacher. But getting a job wasn’t easy. It took until his 25th interview to land a job, he said.
“Interview after interview, I had to convince these principals that I could be a teacher,” he said.
Addison’s principal, Susan Hallmark, vouched for Cohen’s skill as a teacher, despite his setbacks.
The video shows Cohen eating with his family, leading students down a hallway and helping them with baseball practice. The end of the video presents a simple message: “Courageous Optimism. That’s American.”
The Cobb County School District posted a link to the Brawny site Thursday.
“One of the most inspiring stories you will watch today! We are so glad Brad Cohen is one of our own,” the district wrote in a post on Facebook.
The winner of the sweepstakes will receive a free trip to Washington, D.C., and 10 others will get a year-long supply of Brawny paper towels, according to the company. Entry is free and open until the end of the month.
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