Mike Donohue (R5 Productions)The first time my students heard Mike Donohue speak, they told me he was so good "they didn't even want to text!" To me, that's the ultimate compliment of a speaker whose target audience is teenagers. I've heard Mike speak multiple times and each time, even when it's the same presentation, I get something new from it. I even attended a parent conference in which Mike spoke. His message about walking in someone else's shoes should be heard by all parents and educators.
Contact Information: [email protected] 888-898-GOR5 Holly CampbellHolly Campbell, a real estate agent by trade, has had to face the tragedy that no parent wants to face -- she lost not one, but two children unexpectedly just a year apart. Her oldest, Sarah, died following an emergency surgery. Her son, Dustin, died in a drunk driving crash while visiting college friends over the weekend. What Holly didn't expect to find out was that Dustin was the drunk driver. After finally accepting that her son made some poor choices, Holly vowed to share her message with students in the hopes that their families would not have to face the same difficulties her family has had to overcome.
Contact Information: [email protected] 806-250-2745 Curtis ChildersCurtis Childers had it all -- he was the Texas FFA President, then the National FFA President, then the Texas A&M Student Body President. He was making a six-figure salary before the age of 35. What many people didn't know is that Curtis also had an addiction. During his presentation, Curtis shares his story of jumping out of a third story window and landing head-first on a parking lot while high on drugs. Doctors never thought he would survive the "traumatic head injury." Curtis will share pictures of his recovery and share his story of how he became substance-free. You will see the transformation from dynamic speaker to recovering head injury patient.
See a video of Curtis used at the 2011 Texas FFA Convention here. Contact Information: [email protected] 424-216-4020 Rachel's ChallengeRachel Scott was the first student killed at Columbine High School in 1999. Following the events of that day, Rachel's family discovered essays, drawings, and thoughts left behind by Rachel describing how her dream was to touch other people some how. She never knew she would touch others through her death. Rachel's Challenge is an anti-bullying program that students can relate to. We asked to have Cody Hodges come to our school, but I've also heard other speakers with the organization. I recommend having a speaker as well as the leadership programs that accompany them.
Contact Information: http://www.rachelschallenge.org/ContactUs/Contact.php 877-895-7060 |
Brett Eastburn (No Boundaries)Brett Eastburn was born with no arms, no feet, and, most importantly, no handicaps. To prove his point, he shares how he was a high school athlete(including playing on sports teams and being a nationally-ranked wrestler), an artist, and active in martial arts. His humor and positive message engages every audience who hears him.
Contact Information: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 877-559-5744 Stop DWIStop DWI was started by a family directly affected by a drunk driver. John and Faye Higgins lost their son to drunk driver in 1984. Since then, Stop DWI has focused on educating all drivers, but especially teens, on the dangers of drunk and distracted driving. Their presentations include hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, an audio-visual trailer, and an actual driving simulator.
Contact Information: [email protected] 432-687-1355 Keith Hawkins (Real Inspiration, Inc)Keith Hawkins grew up in a tough part of Los Angeles where he faced tremendous challenges as a youth. With a struggling single parent mom, an abusive step father, a poor education, and a violent environment he was not expected to make it to adult hood. Keith took these challenges of life and turned them into opportunity not to just make it but to serve people and bring them along with him. Keith helps people understand the greatness that is bottled up in them and the opportunities that life has to offer them.
Contact Information: [email protected] [email protected] 888-604-4295 RADIOS (Revolutions Acting Daily In Our Schools)RADIOS is a high school program that increases the awareness of school violence, bullying, and bullycide (suicide caused by bullying). The day-long program teaches students that no matter what differences they have, everyone deserves to be treated with respect and love, and not be discriminated because of their background or appearance. Students are then given the tools to go back in their high schools and help continue the positive airwaves and make a difference to decrease bullying and school violence.
Contact Information: [email protected] |