1st Road Trip 2020

Holiday break is over and I started 2020 with a trip near Boston and NYC

The new year is off and running as I took my first road trip of 2020.  I had a fantastic holiday break and I couldn’t wait to get back to work visiting schools.  

The first stop on my school tour was Silver Hill Elementary school located in Haverville, MA just outside the city of Boston.  We had two fantastic shows that focused on the student’s ROAR’S! Silver Hill Elementary School is home of the Jaguars and this school encourages students to R.O.A.R. (Respect, Ownership, Attitude, Responsibly). And for the fun of it, we added S for Safety because that is also very important. It was a great time and I had a lot of fun incorporating their messages into my programs.  

The next stop was a return visit to Bronxville Elementary school located in Bronxville, NY just outside New York City.  This is the second time in 3 years I have had the opportunity to speak at this school and the students and faculty were just as enjoyable as I remembered.  This school is home to grades k-12 and is a massive building for a school.  I get the opportunity to perform in a beautiful auditorium with a stage with theatre lighting and stadium seating.  It’s not every day that I get the opportunity to perform in an environment like that so I take as much in as I can.  

This year is already booking and I have some really exciting trips coming up including Canada and California. I can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store for me and I hope you are having a great new year as well. 

Until the next one….

"Holiday Feast" Drives in Food Items For My Last Trip of 2019!

Winston Churchill Elementary School in Fairfield, New Jersey collects over 2,000 food items for a local pantry.

My last trip of 2019 brought me to Fairfield, NJ where I visited Winston Churchill Elementary school to help celebrate their annual “Holiday Feast”. The tradition brings all the students (grades 4-6) together to eat alongside faculty, parents, and other community service men and woman. The feast allows the community to come together and “Feast” as a family- the Fairfield Family.

This year’s holiday feast was made extra special from the outstanding contributions made by the students from the food drive. Each grade competed against each other to see which grade could bring in the most items with the winner getting ice cream and a holiday movie. The tally was announced at lunch and the results were impressive: 4th Grade tallied 482 items, 6th grade tallied 650 items, and the winner, 5th grade, tallied 871 items. That is over 2,000 food items collected and donated to the local food pantry. That is amazing.

“you guys did such an UNBELIEVABLE job as a school. We have decided to give the whole school a movie!!”

-Ray Santana/Principal

After the feast the parents and faculty cleaned and flipped the room to prepare for my assembly. I had the honor to conclude the annual celebration with one of my performances. The students were amazing and congratulations, or should I say THANK YOU, for the over 2,000 acts of kindness demonstrated from the food drive.

Until the next one….

Catholic Schools Day at Walsh University Mens Home Opener

1,300 students were treated to a pregame performance before a college basketball game.

Probably the coolest event that I performed this year was the Catholic Schools/Education Day hosted by the Walsh University Men’s Basketball team. Yes, the same University and basketball program that I graduated from and played basketball for from 2005-2008. I was thrilled for the opportunity to perform for my alma mater.

The event took place late morning during the week. 1,300 students from schools all over Stark County filed into Alumni Arena just before the Cavaliers tipped off their home opener. It was my duty to perform during the pregame and I asked my good friend and former teammate, Josh Johnson (DJ Smooth) to provide the music.

The music was great, the games were fun, and the dancing was……..lets just say really funny. However, is was still a school day and the kids did hear a valuable lesson about being making an impact.

“the most successful people that you look up too are successful because they do the little things. Small simple actions done consistently make the BIGGEST IMPACT”

-Corey Jones

And by the way, the Cavaliers cruised to an easy victory to improve to 2-0 on the season. I like to think that the students and I had a lot to do with that. Thanks to coach Jeff Young and all the teachers and staff that worked to put this event together. Go Cavs!

Until the next one….

8 Shows, 6 Schools, 4 Days, and 1 National Championship.

An entire week in Virginia visiting 6 different schools included: assemblies, donuts, hair coloring, and a behind the scenes look at UVA Mens Hoops. 

Virginia was next on my tour schedule and included 8 shows at 6 different schools over 4 days. This is not my first time ever performing in Virginia, however this was going to be my longest visit in the state for lovers. It was going to be a long stretch, but I was ready to bring the energy that comes with every one of my performances.

My first stop was Louisa County School District, who brought me to their elementary schools to take part in their month long celebration of National Bully Prevention Month. The school district launched the #BeKind212 initiative that encouraged their students in the Louisa County community and beyond to be kind.  Throughout the entire month of October, students were to document their “acts of kindness” to the #BeKind212 website and after 2,500 acts were tallied Superintended, Doug Straley, would dye his hair school colors.  

The program was a major success and that goal was smashed in only two weeks.  Not only did Mr. Straley have his hair dyed, but all the principals in the district had their hair dyed as well.  The hair dying of the principals were immediately after my programs and were the perfect conclusion to an exciting day of celebrating #kindness. I had a wonderful experience visiting the 4 elementary schools and I congratulate them on a successful #BeKind212 campaign. 

Next stop was W.W. Robinson in Woodstock, VA and then Appomattox Primary in Appomattox, VA. Both schools were tremendous and I can’t thank then enough for the opportunity.  Also, a special thanks to Ms. Markowitz at W.W. Robinson for the donuts and treats after the programs. Donuts make everything better.  And the students at Appomattox Primary were amazing even though most of their students had their first school assembly experience. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of schools throughout the demanding 4 day stretch. 

“Thank you so much for coming and talking to our kids. Your message and performance was AWESOME!”

Jessica Markowitz / W.W Robinson - Woodstock, VA

Work hard and play hard.  During my trip I found myself driving close to the University of Virginia.  This gave me the chance to catch up with a former basketball coach of mine, current University of Virginia Mens Basketball Assistant Coach, Kyle Getter.  Coach Getter’s extensive basketball resume, which now includes a 2019 Div. 1 National Championship, began as an assistant coach at Walsh University during my senior season. 

Coach Getter treated me to a tour of the first class facilities of one of the nations top college basketball programs in the country.  The arena, practice facility, and locker rooms were as expected from a team that is fresh off of winning the National Championship. I love catching up with old friends on the road and I want to thank coach Getter for his generosity and time. Good Luck this season.

Until the next one….

Growth Mindset Messages Makes Impact in NYC PS. 173

In a month filled with kindness and respect, a simple game of “Simon Says” teaches Growth Mindset.

October is National Anti-bully month and schools throughout the country celebrate by promoting acts of kindness and respect.  It’s easily the most demanded month of my year.  Schools celebrate this month with campaigns such as: “Acts of Kindess”: where every act of kindness performed during a designated time gets tallied. Once a goal is reached the students are rewarded with a school assembly (performed by me) or a teacher get pied in the face or hair colored (the kids love it).  Respect Week is another program where each day of the week focuses on a different character trait and the students dress in costumes or pajama and perform special tasks to help promote kindness.  It truly is a special month for schools and I get to travel the country a take part in these celebrations.

New York City was up next up on my tour schedule and Assistant Principal Dimitri Kryoneris of P.S. 173 had one special request, “Please focus on Growth Mindset”.  I was taken back by the request because of what the month of October usually celebrates. “Our school is preaching growth mindset this entire year and the importance of learning through mistakes” Dimitri continued as I jotted down notes on my visit. That conversation got me excited and I was happy to customize my performance and dust off a very fun game of “Simon Says”.

I had students lined up across the width of the entire gym all ready to give their best shot at getting the best of Simon, aka yours truly. The winner would get a signed basketball and students gave me their best shot and in the end there was only one students left as the winner.  A student who applied his knowledge of patient listening and learned from mistakes to improve as the game went on.  “Mistakes are not a sign of failure, they are a sign of effort” I told the students shortly after the game.  “You should be encouraged by mistakes, as they lead to improvement and one step closer to the your goal”.  After a nice ovation, I gave away the basketball and concluded my assembly.  Mr. Kryoneris thanked me again for fulfilling his request and teachers loved the messages that came with Simon Says.

“I'm a big fan of Growth Mindset--the Simon Says was an excellent concrete example that I've already referred to a few times last week. Thanks for joining us!”

Christine Truscello / P.S. 173, New York , NY

I can’t wait to come back again next year.

Until next time…

A Random Tiny Yellow Lion Eraser

Recently after an assembly a young boy came up to the stage to meet me and to say hi.  For my presentations I always have a small desk or table set up for my materials and equipment.  This table consists of these items: my pens and pencils (with my very own name on them), a copy of my comic book, “How To Shoot A Basketball”, a microphone, and a small eraser shaped like a Lion.  The boy immediately noticed the Lion eraser and with a confused look asked me, “Why is that there?”  I do admit that the small Lion is random and I can see how anybody would be confused by the sight of it.  I don’t talk about it in any of my programs and it is so small that unless you were standing right in front on my table, you would never have known it was there. I hardly even notice that its there.  In fact, in over 5 years of presenting to schools, nobody has ever asked me about it.  A small crowd was starting to form and I now had a mob of elementary students demanding an explanation of the random, tiny yellow Lion eraser prowling on my table. I had no choice but to offer an explanation. 

I started speaking professionally 5 years ago and as most people know, public speaking is one of the most feared activities for a person to do. Starting out in my career, I would get nervous, better yet, frightened before speaking at schools. I would not sleep the night before, eating was not an option, and I could not sit still backstage before shows.  Speaking professionally was very challenging for me and that all started to change after a short encounter with a 1st grade girl from a school in New Jersey. 

I was standing in the aisle during an assembly waiting for students to work their way up front for a round of “Simon Says”.  Out of nowhere a girl sitting in the front row stood up and walked right up to me reached her hand out and said, “here you go.” She handed me a random, tiny yellow eraser shaped like a Lion. It absolutely caught me off guard.  This was not in the script for my assembly and being nervous, I didn’t know exactly how to respond.  I quietly asked her what she was giving me and I promise you this is exactly what she said to me. “This is a Lion. Its for courage.  I am having fun and I wanted you to have it.” I was speechless. Stunned. This was a 1st grade girl in front of her entire school doing this.  I said, “Thank you” and then motioned her back to her seat. I was so amused by her actions that for the rest of the show I did not think about speaking in front of hundreds of people. It relaxed me and gave me confidence. That moment was a major turning point in my speaking career. 

I have performed over 400 times in my speaking career in 27 different states.  No matter where I am in the country or how many people are in the audience, that Lion sits on my table facing the crowd.  It reminds me to have fun and to relax during my performances. There are times that I get nervous before shows and its okay, because I know there is a random tiny yellow Lion eraser that has my back. 

My Alabama Trip!!

Tiger Country with some Roll Tide and a Irish Surprise!!

Southside Middle School located in Tallasse, Alabama welcomed me for 2 programs on the afternoon of March 7th.  We had basketball shooting, simon says, and the "impossible" was done in front of the 7th and 8th graders when a student completed the "impossible catch" to win a basketball.  The crowd roared as the student held the ball in the air like a trophy or like Simba from the Lion King (I miss the 90's).  I love creating opportunities for students to support other students.  Its important for young people to understand and visually see that he or she has people around them who care and actually want them to become successful.  This "me against the world attitude" accomplishes nothing.  When we work together and support one another we can accomplish anything including the "impossible". 

The following day featured 2 more programs at Tallassee Elementary School.  Positive behavior, Good choices, and just simply "have fun" were the programs headlines.  We had teachers skipping to their own beat and kids who were so engaged and well behaved that teachers did cartwheels.  No literally, I had a teacher do a cartwheel in front of the entire audience.  It was a first and it was so fantastic.  Writing about how the programs were that afternoon can only go so far.  They are only from my perspective.  Here is a review from the guidance counselor who participated in both programs. 

"My name is Tenea Stanton. I'm the school counselor at Tallassee Elementary School. At first, I didn’t know how the students would respond to another assembly about bullying. This was not like any assembly we have experienced.  The students and teachers were captivated by your presentation. It has been four days later, and they are still talking about it. You were able to entertain and educate them.  That means a lot with elementary school students.  It meant the world to the students to be called on stage to be a part of the presentation".

I just want to say thanks to Tenea Stanton for the kind words and the opportunity to come visit Tallasse, Alabama and share my message.  

Its a small world: Just before I went to take the stage for my second presentation a gentleman came over to me to show me his green St. Vincent. - St. Mary zip up jacket.  Turns out he was a alum from the class on 1992 and moved to Alabama to become a locksmith.  Here we were 900 miles away from our high school and we ran into each other.  What are the chances!

My Trip To Columbus, Georgia!!

Columbus, Georgia (Februar 21st-22nd)

Last week I packed my bags and left Columbus, OH to fly to......COLUMBUS!!  From one Columbus to another (it made my boarding passes very confusing). I flew into Atlanta and drove the 90 minute drive southwest to Columbus, Georgia located right on the Georgia/Alabama border.  I was only 45 minutes away from Auburn, but if you ask my brother in law I was in Georgia Bulldog Country.  

I had 5 programs at 5 different schools over a 2 day span.  I was brought to Columbus, Georgia through the efforts of the DoDea Foundation. Here is a quick excerpt from their website describing what they do:

DoDEA, as one of only two Federally-operated school systems, is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and managing prekindergarten through 12th grade educational programs on behalf of the Department of Defense (DoD). DoDEA is globally positioned, operating 166 accredited schools in 8 districts located in 11 foreign countries, 7 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA employs approximately 15,000 employees who serve more than 72,000 children of active duty military and DoD civilian families.

Only 15 miles from the military base, Fort Benning, the Columbus, GA school district serves many students who come from military families.  These students often move in and out of school districts not only around the country but throughout the world.  It is DoDEA's mission to provide these students "with a world-class education that prepares them for postsecondary education and/or career success and to be leading contributors in their communities as well as in our 21st century globalized society." It can be challenging for these students to integrate into a new school system with new teachers and new students and I was brought in to shed some light on kindness and the importance of applying are knowledge that we all matter. 

North Columbus Elementary School Celebrate Black History Month

Here are some pictures that I saw at North Columbus Elementary School.  These were just a few of the pieces that were on display to celebrate Black History Month.  It was cool seeing these pictures come together with all the different pieces that took to make them.  Even though each individual piece of paper is different in design, pattern, and color - when they come together, they make something beautiful.  Each and every one of us are these single sheets of paper with our unique differences and if and when we all come together we can achieve something beautiful!!!

I just wanted to end by saying thank you to the hardworking individuals that coordinated my visit to Columbus, GA.  I hope you enjoyed the programs and I certainly appreciate the opportunity to come visit your area.  Thank you and Go Dawgs!! (And Tigers too...)

VOTE NOW!!! And help bring a new playground to new haven elementary.

Vote Vote Vote...

Short Version:

Click this link www.culturelle.com and vote for NEW HAVEN.  You can vote everyday from February 15th to March 15th.  Your vote can help New Haven win the grant that will go towards a brand new playground for their school.  So please tell, share, tweet, morse code....do whatever it take to help the kids get a fun safe place to play. 

The Backstory:

This past fall I visited Columbia, Missouri to perform shows for two days.  I performed 4 programs at 3 different schools in the district all thanks to the fabulous grant writing skills of Karla Yung.  Mrs. Yung is as persistent as they come and she is very passionate about writing grants in order to give the students of her district the best opportunities.  For the past few months Karla has been working on the biggest grant of all.  Its her big "whale" so to speak and after endless hours of research and rewrites, New Haven has made it to the finals.  And now it all comes down to a vote and the voting starts February 15th and ends March 15th.  You can vote every day while voting is open.  So here is what you do.  You wake up, get your Starbucks, VOTE, and then move on with your day.  (This post is not sponsored by Starbucks).  

Thank you for your help and now Vote!!!

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week In The 614!

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Celebrating Catholic Schools Week in the 614!!

This week was Catholic Schools week and I had the opportunity to visit two schools right here in the 614.  We had two great assemblies with two inspiring messages.  Thank you to St. John’s Lutheran School and St. Mary School in Columbus. 

On January 25th I visited St. John’s Lutheran School is Marysville, OH.  We had students from grades K thru 8 taking part in celebrating catholic schools week.  The message for the week is featured above the headline: 

“Be Brave. Be Amazing. Be the Difference. Be Unstoppable. Be Inspiring.”

I love the saying and the faculty and staff are doing an amazing job selling to their students to reach their potential.  In fact I also learned that the slogan for the entire year was to be “Rock Solid”. The message is to be “Rock Solid” in who you are as a person, with the choices you make and with the relationship with your faith.  The students and faculty are buying in and I want to thank Principal Rausch for the “Rock Solid Staff” t-shirt and the wrist band.  I will add it to my collection and thank you for the opportunity to present at your school. 

The celebration continued on January 31st when I went into Downtown Columbus on 3rd St. and visited St. Mary’s School.  The entire student body (grades K-8) gathered on the gymnasium bleachers to learn about the importance of “Leading”.  Principal Kayla Walton and her staff have done an excellent job with their students as the assembly was so fun.  And as far as being a leader is concerned, the teacher who participated as the leader for the YMCA absolutely ROCKED IT! The entire students and faculty were loving his dance moves. 

Thanks again for the opportunity and another successful Catholic Schools Week is in the books. 

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San Diego and Alabama added to the Schedule!!

San Diego, California (February 15th)

Happy to say that I will be visiting Bell Middle School in San Diego, California on February 15th!!  We are doing 3 shows for their 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.  

Tallassee, Alabama (March 7th & 8th)

Two Days in Alabama.  I get two days to visit the Tallassee School district on March 7th and March 8th.  I will first visit Tallassee Elementary for two shows followed by SouthSide Middle School for two shows.  Excited to speak in Alabama again!

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Thank You 2017!!!

Thank you 2017 for making last year the best year of my speaking career.  I visited more schools and performed in front of more students then I have ever had in my career.  I covered a lot of ground throughout the year reaching as far east as Dover, Delaware from seeing the golden coast once again at Lake Forest, California.  I added 3 new states that I performed in when I visited Nebraska, West Virginia, and Utah.  I absolutely love visiting new cities and states and thank you 2017 for allowing me to see more of this beautiful country.  

I got to perform in the historic Smoot Theatre in Parkersburg, WV for the Bureau of Fiscal Service organization.  It was an amazing experience performing in a original historic theatre which featured original flooring and pulley systems from when it was built in 1926!! One of the coolest experiences of my career. 

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2017 also released my first ever self published comic book “How To Shoot A Basketball”.  This has been a passion project of mine for over two years as I wrote and illustrated the 36 page fun instructional shooting booklet.  Please check out the website here at www.how2shootabball.com.

So THANK YOU 2017 for being once again a great year.  I can not wait to see what amazing travels and experiences will come in 2018.  And Thank You to the students, teachers, administers, faculty, and PTO parents that gave me an opportunity to do what I love to do.  See you guys in 2018…