This morning I had the pleasure of speaking to over 500 students at Francis Parker Middle and High School! I had a very respectful and captive audience of extremely motivated and talented students who know doubt will make an impact on their community. I was asked to speak to honor and celebrate the life and service of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and share why his birthday needs to be a "day on" and not a "day off" from school.
The focal point of my message was that the students at the school have a choice in the way they want to live their lives and to think about the world wide impact they can have if they apply themselves to make a difference for mankind. I shared that there are three chairs that every young person sits in throughout their life.
Overall, I believe that my message was well received and at least 100 students personally came up to me after the presentation and shared how much the message meant to them. One student said; "Thank you for your message...it really touched me and I discovered that all these years I have been sitting in the chair of the camper and letting my life get influenced by the cynics. Today, I realize is the day I move my seat and become a champion!" I was told as a young man that if I make a difference to just one person for one moment that I have done my part. I know that many students were impacted by my words and I hope gained a deeper appreciation for Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as the importance of developing their full potential.
I hope to return to Francis Parker and to continue to support student excellence everywhere!