Mike Schopp
Personality, WGR-550, Schopp & the Bulldog
 Who Mentored You?
One of my mentors was a man named Joe Chimento, the Vice Principal of Grand Island High School when I was a freshman there. I think he found out about me through a family connection, and as I met him I'm sure it was clear to him that I was a sports nut. I also had a preliminary interest in a sports media career.
What did this person do that inspired, helped or encouraged you?
Mr. Chimento was one of those teachers or administrators that all the kids liked. He'd stop and say hi to you in the hall, and talk to you. He and I became friends, strange as that might seem.
In addition to being vice-principal he was the public-address announcer for the school's football games, and he was the supervisor for the morning announcements. He hired the students for the morning job. Usually those students were upper-classmen, but Mr. Chimento showed confidence in me as a ninth-grader and worked me into the rotation. I thought maybe I'd be out of the mix when I mistakenly crafted the phrase "thank you" into the Pledge of Allegiance. But he stuck with me!
Soon thereafter I was announcing the Grand Island football games with him. To me this was a very big deal! He'd let me do one half of most games. He had a unique style -- saying "How about that!" on the PA microphone after good plays, for example -- and I knew better than to try to copy it. But what I learned was that sports announcers had to do more than just know the rules and the players' names. Personality mattered to popularity. Knowing the details of the game just wasn't enough -- you needed to be colorful to make a name for yourself. I made some mistakes for sure, getting a little carried away with my freedom, but in the process I learned important lessons and where the boundaries are drawn. By the time I was a junior I was announcing all the GI football and basketball games. These are special memories for me, and I met coaches and athletes that I am still acquainted with.
What would you say if you could thank this person today?
Mr. Chimento died in 2009. I saw him only a few times after my graduation but I always cherished and appreciated his generosity and willingness to engage with the students on somewhat of an adult level. And I'll always be thankful for the chances he gave me. First time I was ever on a microphone.
You've been thinking about getting involved. Now that you know how easy it is and the importance of volunteering, Why not apply to be a Big today?
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