‘Survivor’ winner visits area school
Ethan Zohn, who went from reality TV to AIDS educator, visited Lawrence North to deliver important message - By Melanie D. Hayes (from indystar.com)
As he walked in the door, girls giggled, pointed and shrieked “There he is!”
“He” is Ethan Zohn, the 2002 “Survivor: Africa” winner. Zohn, 33, a former professional soccer player who hosts two TV soccer shows, was in Indianapolis for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s convention and also made a stop at Lawrence North High School to give a presentation to the senior class on Thursday.
Zohn came from New York to deliver a more important message: to let students know that the teenage years can be a confusing time, but everyone must find their path, and find it in themselves to be selfless and help people.
During his time in Africa, Zohn saw firsthand how devastating the AIDS epidemic was and wanted to help combat it. He used the $1 million he won on “Survivor” to start a nonprofit organization called Grassroot Soccer.
“In Africa, soccer players are the heroes,” he said. “We train professional soccer players in Africa about HIV and AIDS, and they go to schools and teach kids about AIDS prevention. We teach them to change their behavior and help them lead healthy lifestyles.
“If you have much, give from your wealth. If you have little, give from your heart,” Zohn said.