March 3rd, 2013 is a time in my life when it all changed. I met my grandparents on this day. I can remember walking up the steps to their door thinking how surreal it was. Tears were rolling down my face and I couldn’t think straight and I knew that when I left, I was going to feel different. What a moment this was; my grandfather opening the door seeing my face for the first time in 16 years, it’s unexplainable. Coming in to meet my grandmother for the first time, too, was an amazing moment for me as well. Although I didn’t stay long, the amount of time I could have, would have never been enough to make up the time that had already passed. Meeting my grandparents was the best day of my entire existence and words and feelings can’t ever explain how much that day meant to me and I know to them, as well. I still keep in contact with them and see them regularly although my dad still doesn’t know.  I know that if I hadn’t done this when I did, it would have been too late. What I’ve learned over the past few months through all of this is that the past is always following you and I hope that my dad stops running because I know I have.

The Students of Maumee HS Hear Jeff’s Message

On Thursday, April 11, Teen Motivational Speaker and Youth Coach Jeff Yalden visited Maumee High School in Maumee, Ohio, located outside of Toledo.  Here, he managed to change the lives of students, despite all of the hardships that had been against him.  Canceled flights, inclement weather, and disrespectful students would have been enough to stop most speakers, but this was not enough to keep Jeff from bringing his message to young people.

Maumee High School had scheduled for Jeff to speak in February, but Mother Nature had prevented this from happening.  After Jeff arrived in town, large amounts of snowfall occurred, and school had been cancelled.  Therefore, Jeff was forced to fly home and reschedule the event.

Arriving in Maumee had once again been a nightmare on this rescheduled visit.  Jeff was flying in from Burlington, Vermont.  Because of the heavy rainfall, flights to both Cleveland and Detroit had been cancelled.  Determined to bring his message to Maumee, Jeff finally found a flight into Akron Canton.  He arrived there at 1:30 in the morning.  He then drove to Toledo, arriving around 4:00am.  In four hours, he would be on stage speaking.

Jeff found the students of Maumee to be amazing.  Since his first scheduled visit, they had been all over Twitter.  After being heavily active on social media, Jeff was “real excited to meet them.”

However, Jeff hit another road bump prior to his visit to Maumee; a few kids went to Twitter, where they attempted to cause problems for him.  One kid caused an uproar, trying to seek acceptance.  Another was attempting to be funny and acted unprofessionally towards Jeff.  Because of his behavior, he was not invited to the assembly.

Students gather in Maumee’s state-of-the-art auditorium.

Despite these drawbacks, Jeff still managed to bring his message to the 750 students of Maumee in their gorgeous, state-of-the-art auditorium.  He spoke for an hour-and-a-half, in which he completely mesmerized them.

Following the assembly, Jeff held a leadership conference for Student Council student leaders.  He answered many of their questions and discussed the importance of having character and integrity.

However, after this, one girl had challenged Jeff on his decision to call out the boy in front of the school that had attempted to conflict with him on Twitter.  She wanted him to apologize, but he responded, “I wasn’t going to apologize based on [the fact that] I felt that you got to put the responsibility back where it belongs.”  Both the principal and the counselor, Courtney Roberts, who had brought him in, agreed with his decision.  Jeff states, “I wasn’t going to enable the behavior of this teenager, and I wasn’t going to give him the power.

The girl that had challenged Jeff did not believe him to be the same person offstage as onstage.  He had a 20 minute conversation with her, but knew that she was set on her assumption and could not be convinced otherwise.  However, he applauded her for having the courage to speak up.  Jeff is sorry that this was one of those situations where not everybody liked him, but states, “If everybody does like you, what difference do you make?’

Afterwards, Jeff spoke with Courtney Roberts, who had worked so hard to bring him.  He describes her as “amazing.”  Courtney and Jeff talked with the principal, who agreed with all of Jeff’s actions.  Jeff understands that not everyone will like him for his responses to this occurrence, but he took a real risk to ensure that his actions reflected the words that he spoke onstage, as there was an organization sponsoring the event.  Because of this teenager, it decided to pull out of sponsoring Jeff.  However, the principal still wanted him to speak, so he placed the assembly on his shoulders and covered it.

Jeff is honored and grateful that despite all of the drawbacks, he still managed to bring his message to Maumee High School.  He states, “It went awesome.  It was a great day, [and] the kids were all over Twitter.”  He received a standing ovation and applauds the great school and administrative team for the way that they had welcomed him.

The words of Teen Speaker Jeff Yalden are real and authentic.  Unlike many speakers, he is the same person onstage and offstage, living by the message and values that he teaches.  Jeff’s message has changed the lives of millions of students around the globe, and by booking an assembly at jeffyalden.com, your students can join them.

What The People Are Saying

Whoever missed Jeff Yaldens speech I really feel bad for you #thatwasamazing #thankyousomuch #jeffyalden @JeffYalden
- Dillon Kline via Twitter

@JeffYalden Thx for the message on compassion and your enthusiasm. Having a lot of good conversations w/ students today.
- Mr. Perrotte via Twitter

@JeffYalden thanks so much for coming to maumee. You have no idea how much you helped me.
- Rachel Majewski via Twitter

@JeffYalden was the first speaker whose speech i didn’t fall asleep through. Thanks for coming to Maumee High School
- @SzymanskiBrooke via Twitter

@AmberSk07269826 @jeffyalden best speaker I’ve ever heard in my life. The stories he tells! Ill never forget the daughter and door one!
- Taylor Eldridge via Twitter

Tiffin Middle School

“Well, that was an amazing school.”  These are the words that came from Youth Motivational Speaker and Teen Life Coach Jeff Yalden after visiting Tiffin Middle School in Tiffin, Ohio on Tuesday, April 9.  Jeff spoke with the around 700 students from 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, all of which he found to be a respectful and special audience.  In addition to the middle school students, around 12 college students were in attendance.

Jeff was brought by the school’s counselor to perform a two-hour assembly in the school’s gymnasium.  Upon entering the gym, many teachers were skeptical, believing that there was no possible way that Jeff could manage to keep hundreds of middle school students calm in the bleachers for two whole hours.

The students of Tiffin MS were greatly inspired by Jeff’s message.

However, Jeff managed to do just this, inspiring both the students and teachers of the school.  A few teachers approached Jeff after the assembly, stating, “Wow, when we heard that you were going to speak for an hour-and-a-half, we thought this was going to be the biggest waste of time because how do you get kids to sit in bleachers for an hour-and-a-half?”

“But as you can imagine, we went two hours in the bleachers and the teachers were amazed at so many different times during the message.  You could have heard a pin drop.”  These words show just how appreciative that Jeff was of the respect and courtesy of those in attendance and how happy he was that he was given the opportunity to share his life messages with them.

Jeff engages in a hands-on workshop with students.

Jeff reminisces about his visit, stating, “It was just pretty amazing.  It was a fun crowd, absolutely respectful and kind.  It was just a school that was a very special place.”  Jeff is honored that he was able to speak with the students.  Following his assembly, the students were also given an opportunity to attend one of his great workshops, teaching leadership skills in a hands-on setting that will help them for the rest of their lives.

Teen Speaker Jeff Yalden’s assemblies for high schools and middle schools leave an impact on the students long after they end.  Jeff’s message has left a lasting impact on millions of students worldwide and in every state in the United States.  For more information on how you can bring this message to the students of your area, please visit jeffyalden.com.

What The People Are Saying

Thanks we really liked you too and I told Mrs.Mellot that we should have you come back again!!!!! Hahahahahahaha Thanks again and you are very inspirational!!!!
- Jacob Warnement via Facebook

Thank you so much, Jeff, for coming to speak to our amazing students. You are such an inspiration and I know you have touched many lives here at TMS! Your words were very powerful and you’re such a genuine person! Thank you!
- Melissa Walters Mellott via Facebook

You are the best thing that ever happen at are school
- Amber Moore via Facebook

You were probably the best motivational speaker I have ever heard, ever. All the things you spoke about, really made some of us think about things in our life that could change, for the better. After hearing you speak, I will never think of my life the same. I am me. I can’t change my identity, but I can change who I am as a person. I learned to just be me! Not who people want me to be, but who I want me to be. Thank you so much for visiting the Tiffin Middle School! I learned so much!
- Rachel Repp via Facebook

I was holding back tears when @JeffYalden came and spoke to us today. Thank you so much! #soinspiring #lifechanging
- @ThatChickAllysa via Twitter

@JeffYalden You made me change my whole view on life. the questions you asked me today left me thinking. #Thanks for changing my life.
- Kiara Patillo via Twitter

@JeffYalden you are so inspirational to everyone!! Thanks for coming all the way out to tiffin to come talk to us. It was so motivational.
- Rushil Rana via Twitter

The Doors of Keene HS

On Tuesday, April 2, Youth Motivational Speaker and Teen Life Coach Jeff Yalden spoke with the students of Keene High School in southwestern New Hampshire.  He describes it as a beautiful community and had the honor of being with and changing the lives of the students living there.

Keene High School is a school with an enrollment of around 1400 students, though only about 600 students were able to hear Jeff speak.  It was no April fool’s joke that some students would not be given the opportunity to hear Jeff’s inspiring words, simply because their teachers did not want to miss class time.  This is because the principal required teachers to sign their students up to hear him speak.  Because of this, there were a lot of upset kids that found it unfair that they were unable to attend the assembly.

Students Flooded the Auditorium to Hear Jeff Speak

However, the assembly was moving and life-changing for those that were given the opportunity to hear Jeff speak.  Jeff thought that the kids and teachers that came really embraced the message. Both of Jeff’s shows ended with standing ovations.  He was not permitted to sell anything after he spoke, but that did not stop students from flooding around him to shake his hand, hug him, and thank him for the message that he had brought to them.

Jeff wishes to thank Kelly Budd, the lady who invited him, and describes her as a “fantastic lady and a great coordinator of the event.”  Because many of the students were unable to attend, she closed off half of the auditorium to make it feel like a full house.  By coordinating the event in a great manner and setting up the auditorium in this fashion, she set a great atmosphere for Jeff to speak.

Jeff was honored to speak with the students of Keene High School, stating, “I just feel very blessed and honored that I got to come back to the state that I kind of grew up in and share my message with these kids.”  He describes his visit there as “pretty incredible” and is thankful that he had the chance to be with the students of Keene.

Teen Speaker and Youth Coach Jeff Yalden has changed the lives of millions of people around the globe.  His inspiration stays with students long after he leaves and creates a lasting impact on their lives.  For this reason, a visit from Jeff is a perfect assembly idea for high schools, youth groups, and any organizations looking to change the lives of the people in their area.

A Visit from Jeff is an Inspiring One

What The People Are Saying

So @JeffYalden just gave the most amazing motivational speech. It was so deep
- @JacqueNicole96 via Twitter

Had THE best motivational speaker at #khs today! #thank #you @JeffYalden so much! #amazingness
- Taylor Paige Johnson via Twitter

Had an amazing motivational speaker today at #KHS. Thank you @JeffYalden for everything! Blessed to have been able to go to the 2nd session!
- @Bgirl145 via Twitter

@JeffYalden‘s speech today sounded a lot like what my mom tries to tell me.. but he actually got me motivated to try harder.
- @snookks via Twitter

@JeffYalden motivational talk today was so amazing and inspiring. I loved it @k_wilkz818
- Emily Chamberlain via Twitter

The Moorestown HS Gymnasium

Some days, no matter how badly you want something to go perfect, the odds just seem out of your favor, and making something good out of the circumstances can be very difficult.  This is the kind of day that Youth Motivational Speaker and Teen Life Coach Jeff Yalden experienced during his visit to Moorestown High School in New Jersey on Thursday, March 28.  However, despite this, he managed to still deliver his message and change lives on this day.

Unfortunately, March 28 did not turn out to be a good day to plan an assembly.  For one, it was the last day before Easter and spring break, and students were eager to leave the school for their long-awaited vacation.  To make matters even worse, it coincided with senior skip day, which any high school senior knows holds the importance of a holiday.  The two assemblies had a total of 1,400 people, but only about 1,000 kids were in school, as seniors were out celebrating.  However, after discovering that skipping would play a role against them in their senior trip, they began to flood back to the school.

Image via @ashleeeyy_287

In addition to the unfortunate date choice, the gymnasium was not an ideal place to hold an assembly.  Jeff had to speak here, as another speaker was using the auditorium for a PowerPoint presentation.  To make matters worse, there were several interruptions with announcements and preparations for an afternoon program.

However, while these circumstances would be many speakers’ worst nightmare, Jeff Yalden made the most of his day, still managing to deliver his message and change the lives of those sitting in the gymnasium.  The students were a great crowd, and Jeff was honored to speak with them. Moorestown had been declared a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, therefore having quite a studious population.  The students loved the message that Jeff brought to them and flocked to Twitter after his visit.

Like all of his visits, Jeff’s visit to Moorestown inspired teens and changed their lives.  However, it did not go perfect, and he wishes to acknowledge this.  He responds to this event, stating, “I think I delivered a good message, but, the reality [was that] it wasn’t as well received as it normally is. On a scale of 1 to 10, I think today was probably about a 7, when normally I guarantee the Jeff Yalden experience to be about a 10 out of 10.”

Jeff’s visit to Moorestown was a good one, even though the circumstances were not in his favor. However, while it was good, Jeff holds his assemblies at extremely high standards, doing all that he can to bring the best assembly possible.  On this day, Jeff spoke his heart out, but he could not control the environment around him, nor the conflicting schedule that occurred on this date.  He was honored that he had the chance to visit and greatly thanks the principal, Drew Seibel, for inviting him to speak.

Though he cannot control the conditions around him, International Youth Speaker Jeff Yalden does all that he can do to ensure that his assemblies are as life-changing as possible.  A visit with Jeff is a great assembly idea for high schools wishing to inspire their student bodies.  For more information on how to motivate your local students to greatness, please visit jeffyalden.com.

What The People Are Saying

Jeff, you are the man. Thanks for coming to my school today. You are one hilarious and brave dude. Keep motivating others. TTTT
- Alfredo Viacava via Facebook

@JeffYalden your speech was great today at Moorestown at Moorestown. I just wanna say thank you.
- @Ayooo_Eli via Twitter

@JeffYalden YOU WERE SO GOOD come back to moorestown
- @trysomeoneELS via Twitter

That speech today! Made me think more than I ever have in school… @JeffYalden #inspirational
- Maggie Gurly via Twitter

@JeffYalden I hope that the people of moorestown will learn from what you taught today, you’re changing the lives of many, God Bless.
- Chriss Linn via Twitter

@JeffYalden was the best part about today, great stories, lessons and humor told by one of the best speakers I ever heard. #thanks
- Andrew Helfman via Twitter

Jeff with two Student Council leaders

On Wednesday, March 27, Motivational High School Speaker and Youth Coach Jeff Yalden spoke at the 2013 Chartiers Student Council Conference in Bridgeville, PA.  This event brought around 350 student leaders from Allegany County to Chartiers Valley High School.  This was a time for them to share their high school experiences and engage in workshops that discussed organization, speaking out, and including everyone in student council activities.  More importantly, it was a time for them to hear a speech that would change their lives.

The STUCO conference opened in the morning with several performances and the singing of spirit songs.  The chorus at Chartiers Valley performed, and Mitchell McDermott and Megan Henderson performed an acoustic piece.  Then, Jeff had the honor of watching what he described as one of the best dance routines that he had ever seen.  Dance Troupe took the stage and performed their emotional piece that they had competed in the UDA National Dance Team Competition with.  Jeff thought the piece was beautiful and admired the fact that they had dedicated it to the victims of the tragic Sandy Hook shooting.  Upon taking the stage, he stated that he could not believe the skill level of the dancers that he had just seen, as it was on the same level as professionals.

Prior to Jeff taking the stage, the STUCO leaders engaged in the singing of several songs, with which they showed their Pennsylvania pride, singing that PASC’s got the best and showing their love for PA milk.

Jeff Takes the Stage

I personally had the honor of attending this event, as I live close to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and drove out with a friend to see Jeff perform at this leadership event.  Despite the fact that this was his fourth show that I had attended, I noticed that each time, it was equally as exciting and interesting.  Jeff tailors his speaking to the crowd he performs in front of and in this way, he focused on leadership and the prospects of a good leader at this event.  He exclaimed that good leaders do not look for the interests of themselves, but for the interests of those that they serve.

Jeff Speaks With Students

As always, his show had much student involvement.  Most speakers confine themselves to the stage and only speak to the audience.  However, at his events, the whole auditorium is Jeff’s stage, and he finds himself walking from student to student, speaking with them and asking questions that make them question the way they live their lives.

I am honored that I had the opportunity to attend this event and am sure that the rest of the crowd felt the same way after hearing Jeff speak.  In around an hour-and-a-half, Jeff had taught the audience life skills that would live with them forever and showed them the importance of being a good leader and caring for those around them.  After his speech, many of the students crowded around him to comment on how they enjoyed his show and purchase his new book, Your Life Matters.

High schools looking for assembly ideas should visit jeffyalden.com for more information on how they can change the lives of the students in their school and teach them the qualities that a true leader possesses.  Youth Speaker Jeff Yalden has spoken in front of over 4 million people in all 50 states and 48 countries, and his message lives on with students throughout the globe.

What The People Are Saying

Great day at the #pasc #stuco conference and hearing @jeffyalden speak. Thanks for an awesome talk!
- Gracie Duda via Twitter

@JeffYalden you had such an amazing speech at the PASC conference. I love your quote. You are a true inspiration
- Morrin McEwin via Twitter

Thank you for helping me notice that I am as beautiful on the inside as I am on the outside. #pasc #girlinthewhiteshirt @JeffYalden
- @sky62665903 via Twitter

Jeff with Clarion U Students

On Tuesday, March 26, Youth Motivational Speaker and Teen Life Coach Jeff Yalden spoke at Clarion University in Clarion, Pennsylvania.  He was invited after one alumni member of Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week posted a picture of him on her Twitter feed and the Clarion University student activities director asked about him.  Cody Rapp, the Assistant Director at the Clarion Chamber of Commerce was the coordinator of this event.  During Jeff’s visit, Clarion University students learned various important life lessons, some of which were quite unexpected.

Prior to speaking at the university, Jeff met at Applebee’s with the students that had invested in his visit.  He describes it as a great hour-and-a-half dinner, where he got to speak with the students, learn who they were and what they wanted, and discover the expectations that they held for the evening’s event.  Jeff enjoyed their company, stating, “It was really a pleasure to get to meet some of the kids.”

Jeff Yalden Motivates Clarion Students

Approximately 250 college students, along with many high school students, attended the event. Fraternities and sororities made up the crowd.  The assembly, held in the college’s auditorium, was an exciting one.  As Jeff stated, “It was just another incredible event, but this time it was geared towards college students.”  He felt very privileged to share his message with this college crowd.

However, the defining moment of the night occurred when Jeff least expected it.  While taking photos and signing posters, one young man approached him.  In his hands, he held an evaluation sheet, which had been given to students to rate the assembly.  Ready to tear up, he approached Jeff, as if he wished to show him what he had written.  He was about to crumble it up, when Jeff asked him why he was doing so.

The students were asked to rate the aspects of Jeff’s speech on a number of criteria from a scale of 1 to 5.  Jeff glanced at his paper and noticed that the college student had put all 4s.  Jeff told him it was okay and 4s were really not that bad.  The young man then ripped it, and stated, “I wrote 4s before I even heard you speak.  When you took the stage and started to speak, I judged you before you even spoke.  For that, I want to apologize to you.  I’m really sorry.”

Jeff shook his hand, responding, “I’m glad you were honest with me.  That’s okay that you judged me.  We do it every single day.  If tonight, that is the lesson that you learned, then my visit at Clarion University was well worth it.”

As evident with this event, “Sometimes, it’s the simplest things in life that make the biggest difference.  It’s the simple messages that make us grow so much.”  Jeff shook hands with the young man, and both smiled at each other.  However, Jeff could see that the young man was disappointed in himself.  “I saw that a defining moment was made, and to me, that was the best thing.”

Upon taking the stage, International Speaker Jeff Yalden is often misjudged for his appearance, and false conclusions are drawn by many before he even begins to speak.  However, during every assembly, those in the audience discover their misjudgment and realize just how much they degrade those around them before even getting to know them.  Youth Speaker Jeff Yalden is a great speaker for college and high school assemblies and will change the lives of those in attendance.  To bring life lessons like the one learned at Clarion to your school, please visit jeffyalden.com for more information.

What The People Are Saying

Students show their excitement after hearing Jeff!

After reviewing and recording the Clarion’s feedback to @JeffYalden another special thanks goes out to you!
- @Samm_m88 via Twitter

Such a good talk from @JeffYalden tonight. Gave me a whole new outlook on my life and how to achieve my goals
- @emschibb via Twitter

Bring @JeffYalden 2 @clarionu was incredible. Having my lil cousins there too, made it even more worth it! @johnnaaaa10@mandarapp#iloveyou
- Cody Rapp via Twitter

Was blown away and inspired tonight at @JeffYalden ‘s presentation tonight at Clarion University. You truly have a blessing.
- Shannon Geer via Twitter

An image of Jeff with Janae via her Twitter

On Monday, March 25, Youth Motivational Speaker and Teen Life Coach Jeff Yalden spoke with the students of Larned High School in Larned, Kansas.  He describes it as “an amazing day,” and none of it could have been possible without the work of one girl.

Janae Woods, a junior at Larned HS, was required to complete a project for her English class. Instead of just carrying out a simple project, she was inspired to complete one that would have an impact on the entire student body; she decided to do so by bringing Jeff Yalden to her school.  She met with her principal and asked if the school could donate financially towards her project. However, the principal simply responded, “No.  If I were to help you, then I would have to help everybody.”

This lack of financial support would have ended a project like this for most people, but Janae was determined to bring Jeff to her school.  Entirely alone, she raised the $4,000 required to bring Jeff to her school.  To make it even more meaningful, she even invited a neighboring school, Pawney Heights High School, to join in the experience.

Jeff speaks with students at Larned HS

In total, around 100 students from 7th to 12th grade took part in this assembly.  It is inspiring to think one girl brought this opportunity to them, as schools this small are rarely able to provide opportunities for their students like this one.  During the hour-and-fifty-minute assembly in the gymnasium, it was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.

Ironically, Jeff encountered Janae and her family prior to the assembly at Larned.  As he was flying in the day before at Chicago, he saw several people looking at him strangely.  At first, he thought they had recognized him from MTV.  However, he then discovered that it was actually Janae and her parents flying in from Michigan.  He found it interesting that he got to meet them the day before the assembly.  He described her parents as “absolutely beautiful, wonderful, kind, loving, and very dedicated to their daughter’s work and efforts.”

Overall, Jeff thought that his visit  “was an inspiring day where an eleventh grade girl wanted to make a difference in her community and raised the money on her own to bring me to her school.” He was impressed by her actions, and the assembly went very well.  The administration, students, and teachers were inspired by his visit and loved his speech.

Jeff “was so honored and grateful that [he] got to kind of make a girl’s dream come true in front of her peers.”  He states, “It’s kind of amazing to think that here I am, just a simple guy, [and] that I get to share a message where a teenager thinks so much of [me] that [she] wants to do the work to bring [me] for her peers.”

An inspiring poster in the halls of Larned

As shown by the work of Janae, you can bring Teen Speaker Jeff Yalden to your school, no matter how small or large it is.  With a little bit of hard work, you can inspire the students in your area with a message that they will never forget.  Please visit jeffyalden.com if you are ready to bring change to your community through Youth Speaker Jeff Yalden’s high school assemblies.

Community Responses

One of the best school speakers I’ve ever seen @JeffYalden #respect
- Jessica Lynn Latshaw via Twitter

Just paid for the person behind me at Wendy’s. Thanks @JeffYalden for coming to LHS today!
- @Jaceyleelove via Twitter

@JeffYalden thanks for coming today!! You were truly an inspiration to me and my school!
- Ashleigh Slattery via Twitter

@JeffYalden Your speech was so touching! You’re an unbelievable speaker! So glad we got to come see you!
- @Micaela_dawn via Twitter

you were hilarious! really good stories today! usually people like you don’t pay attention to small schools with “20 people, literally” in it lol!! means a lot! Thanks!
- Tori Anne Rouse via Facebook

You were awesome! And I’m glad our little school Pawnee heights could be there
- Alexis Kent via Facebook

The students and advisors sat mesmerized as Jeff’ shared his message, “About Life”. This Keynote Address is indescribable. Jeff is real, he’s present and he’s passionate.  Jeff has a gift for reaching every student in the audience, regardless of their social/emotional background or academic ranking.  He shares his heart with teens and speaks to them on their level. In doing so, he in turn touches their hearts and inspires them to chase their dreams. Jeff validates, encourages and challenges teens.

Approximately 250 Student Council members from 5 high schools in the area were in attendance. Jeff enjoyed sharing his message with this wonderful group of student leaders.

Jeff challenged the students to become successful leaders by making wise choices, living with integrity, losing expectations and focusing on the objectives.

After his presentation, the students enjoyed lunch and they had the opportunity to purchase Jeff’s new book, “Your Life Matters”.

They then gathered to play “Ninja” while they awaited Jeff’s closing message that afternoon. Jeff thoroughly enjoyed watching them…

Through encouraging them to “Take Time to Think”, Jeff helped to inspire the Evansville Student Council Members to be the kind of leader that chooses the difficult right over the easy wrong.

If you would like Teen Motivational Speaker Jeff Yalden to speak at your High School Assembly, Teen Leadership Workshop or STUCO Conference please visit JeffYalden.com.

Approximately 250 people gathered in the gymnasium of the Cambridge High School. This included around 75 Junior High students in 7th and 8th grade and 130 High School students in grades 9-12.

Upon arrival, Jeff was greeted by these 2 leaders from the Future Farmers of America (FFA).

It was the Cambridge Youth Conference and Jeff had been invited to be their Keynote Speaker. The focus of the conference was on social emotional learning, career development and motivation.

Jeff was introduced by two beautiful twin sisters who were Juniors. Along with their older sister and younger brother, the four siblings tragically lost their dad two years ago to suicide. Their family created the organization “Up With Life” to raise money to help schools and families learn more about suicide awareness and prevention. Their family had donated half of the cost to bring Jeff to Cambridge.

Our hearts were deeply touched by these sweet girls.

In sharing his message, “About Life”, Jeff encouraged the teens to choose optimism, make positive choices, ignore peer pressure and to strive to be the best that they can be.

“Take Time To Think”, Jeff told the teens.

Through his own personal stories, Jeff made the audience laugh and he brought some of them to tears. “It was an emotional roller coaster”, several teens told us after the presentation.

Students had the opportunity to purchase Jeff’s new book, “Your Life Matters” as well as his t-shirts and posters after the assembly.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Cambridge High School. The community is so full of love and positive energy. They were welcoming and engaging. We hope they they will embrace life, chase their dreams and live up to their full potential.

If you would like Teen Motivational Speaker Jeff Yalden to speak at your Middle School, Junior High School, High School Assembly, Teen Leadership Workshop or Student Leadership Conference please visit JeffYalden.com.