NORWICH – “Life coach” Shawn Harper will share his inspirational message with both Norwich City Schools students and the general public next week.

Harper’s appearance at the school and his public lecture are sponsored by the Norwich Parents, Students and Teachers Association (PTSA) and several local businesses.

His stay in the area is only for two days, and members from the PTSA say they hope everyone will take advantage of his presentation. In the afternoon on Feb. 8, Harper will speak to high school aged students. At 7 p.m., he will speak again, but this time the general public is invited free of charge to the high school auditorium. The next day Harper will be speaking to grades sixth through eight.

Harper has an extensive background, including a successful career in professional football and various appearances on the MTV network as a life coach for teens. Harper has lived a life of struggle and obstacles and speaks from a knowledge base he conveys to his audiences.

Harper travels the country speaking with youths about a wide range of topics, and his presentations are not topic specific. President of the PTSA Lynn Parker says everyone – no matter their age – needs a little encouragement and that is precisely what Harper offers.

It has been a complicated process of scheduling Harper’s visit to Norwich, Parker says, but as soon as she read about his presentations she knew she wanted him to speak here.