Born and raised in Gary, Indiana Michael McGrone Sr. is one of seventeen children (8 boys and 9 girls). Barely graduating from high school, he finished with a 1.2 GPA. When his father died in 1988, Michael was left to support the younger of his siblings. With no money, homeless and the cloths on his back Michael set out on a journey to Chicago. He carried with him only a suit case with a few belongings.
Despite all that was working against him, he knew that there was more to life, which is why he never lost sight of his dreams. Michael eventually graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological and Behavior Studies in Adolescents with honors. Currently, Michael is completing his Master’s degree in Education Administration from Governors State University and presently has a 4.00 GPA.
Today, Michael is the first African American Asst. Principal in Bishop Noll Institute 88 year history.
His mentoring program has significantly impacted the lives of hundreds students, who have gone on to graduate high school and attend college. Rodney Walker, one of his standout mentees was recently featured and narrated a documentary: Shoot for the moon: ten 9 eight. Rodney overcame extreme obstacles beating out over 24000 students from across the country for young aspiring entrepreneurs to reach the finals coming in 2nd place. The documentary grossed over 65 million dollars. Michael was also featured in the documentary. Rodney currently attends Morehouse College on a full academic scholarship. The documentary was shown nationally in select theater's and on BET February 7.
Having come from an impoverished background and overcoming many urban and family challenges, Michael is deeply passionate about providing opportunities to adolescents and motivating them to succeed. He continues to support local agencies and school districts to find provide strategies to motivate youth on the importance of education. He has lectured to hundreds of youth, educators, parents and administrator across racial lines throughout the Chicago/Indiana region. Michael philosophical approach to life is, “Life is a fight for territory, once you stop fighting for what you want, what you don’t want, will automatically take over”.
Once homeless and angry at the world, Michael understands that a path with no obstacles is a path that leads to nowhere. His approach in dealing with our youth is to restore hope, rebuild dreams and save lives.