Kid President Brings 'Awesome' Message To Grosse Pointe Students (Video)

By Edward Cardenas

GROSSE POINTE PARK (CBS Detroit) - Students and adults at Trombly Elementary School Wednesday heard an inspirational message from Internet star, Kid President, who urged them to be "awesome."

Kid President, who is played actor Robby Novak, has been an Internet sensation since his first video was published on YouTube in 2012 as family project with his brother-in-law Brad Montague.

Most of the videos are filmed in Montague's home in Tennessee with Novak standing in front of a homemade set with a cardboard sign featuring a hand drawn presidential seal, and feature a variety of topics.

Since their first post, the upbeat Novak has brought his positive message and youthful attitude to a series of videos which have featured Hollywood stars, philanthropic efforts and the actual president of the United States, Barack Obama.

"This was something that we made for friends and family and it grew when more and more people saw it," said Montague, who wants to make the popular videos a force for good. "We have been trying to use it to encourage kids and grown ups to make the world a better place."

Their efforts have taken root, and gone viral. The videos the duo have posted have garnered nearly 80 million views on YouTube and led to a new book "Kid President's Guide to Being Awesome."

Their high-energy visit to Trombly - which included a number of interactive activities with Kid President and the students - was arranged by Grosse Pointe South Teacher Nick Provenzano who thought the program and message was perfect for the elementary school.

"It didn't quite fit for what I was doing, so I thought of my friends here at Trombly as a great place to go and share their message," Provenzano said. "I am always happy to spread those connections around help other kids and other teachers."

Robby - who feels at home speaking to his peers and making more friends - delivers his upbeat message despite having his own personal challenges. He has Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) a brittle bone condition which has resulted in him having over 70 breaks since birth.

This hasn't slowed him down, and has inspired his brother-in-law.

"Even with all the breaks, he just keeps going," said Montague, who is also impressed with Robby's dance moves. "If he can find a reason to dance, I can too."

The pair also were enjoying their short trip to southeast Michigan.

"Detroit is awesome. I love all the snow," said Novak.

And while Kid President has videos, leads assemblies and has published a book, his message is simple.

"If you want to be awesome, treat people awesome," Novak said.