Derrick grew up in a rough neighborhood, but managed to find his way through the maze of distractions as a scholar athlete. He is devoted to giving back to help children find positive outlets. Derrick motivates kids to find greatness within themselves and teaches them to share these qualities with others. He inspires teens to harness their full potential without bowing to peer pressure. Earning a Masters degree in social work, Derrick has the solid professional background to help children.
A former gang member who became a school administrator, Cornelius' world was one of constant trials and tribulations. Serving for more than 25 years as a classroom teacher and administrator, he delivers motivational lectures that help students re-evaluate themselves and their interaction with peers. He lectures to school and community groups on the topic of cognitive & behavioral trends exhibited by today's youth, and in the process, he develops respectful disciplines over oppressed young minds.
Tom is a perfect example of someone who enjoys life. Using his own experiences, he relates to kids and adults with a logical approach to enjoying your life and success in realizing your dreams. As a professional stand-up comedian, dancer, producer, writer, and director, Tom is also a principal actor in films starring household names as Denzel Washington and Jack Nicholson. He believes that life should not be a dress rehearsal.
Homeless and broke in 1990, Richard lived in constant fear, turmoil and hopelessness. By 1998, Richard had completely turned his life around and was hired by a New York-based international financial firm to create a technology education department and was soon earning a six-figure income. Richard uses professional stage magic and gives your people his best hard-won secrets, strategies and techniques to overcome any obstacle, gain freedom from fear, and destroy discouragement. He provides a captivating and magical presentation that changes lives forever.
A passionate speaker whose contagious enthusiasm has motivated students for 25 years, Paul has delivered hundreds of awareness programs that discuss the perspectives and realities of growing up with his cerebral palsy. By sharing his experiences, and encouraging students to ask questions that help shape their understanding of people with disabilities, Paul tries to instill a sense of hope and inspiration that motivates them to realize their own goals and dreams.
Cornell is a cancer survivor who has devoted 25 years of his life to implementing mental health and treatment programs within prison systems. Internationally certified as a drug and alcohol counselor, he has himself battled addiction and his recovery has allowed him to help many people with their own substance abuse problems, both in his own community and around the country. Cornell also specializes in gang prevention programs, serving as a role model for today's youth.
After moving thirteen times, Christina fought through depression, an eating disorder, and failing health. Her high school teacher changed her life. Now she enjoys sharing her story to help inspire others. An actress, singer, dancer, writer, educator, and director, she has won state, local, and national awards for her talents and excellent academic record. She also is Miss Manhattan 2003 and competes in the Miss America Organization.
Program Objectives:
Addresses a variety of potential risk factors including self-esteem level and peer pressure. The goal is for participants to develop their coping skills and learn positive decision making when confronted with the choice to poison their systems with drugs, alcohol, or tobacco or to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Program Highlights:
Speakers will share their personal experiences to increase awareness of the dangers and implications of drugs, alcohol, and other illegal substances, without talking down to the audience. The "Get High on Life, Naturally" lifestyle is emphasized.
TESTIMONIALS
"The speaker has always done a wonderful job of helping children understand that, with determination and hard work (and confidence in oneself), you can achieve success in your endeavors and fulfill dreams. Besides motivating children to "try," you also help them appreciate others -- all others. The speaker is also great in helping students to understand ways to overcome problems and handle teasing." -- E. Abbott, Teacher, Lafayette Mills School, Manalapan, New Jersey
"The children came back to my classroom waiting to share their thoughts and feelings. They were amazed by how their perceptions changed and heard the message loud and clear. We're (they're) trying out his strategy to smile when you are being teased. One student said it was the best program she'd seen at school." -- Susan Benanchietti, Teacher, Lincoln-Hubbard School, Summit, New Jersey
"I have realized that to get to your dreams, you have to be able to trip and fall once in a while to learn from your mistakes." -- Christen, Sixth-grader, Morris Plains Borough School, Morris Plains, New Jersey
School Programs: Substance Abuse Prevention
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