We really enjoyed having Chris, Jess & Noah on campus last Friday. The presentation and activities had a big impact and even though it was only the 10th grade at the presentation, we had many seniors, juniors, and even freshman and eighth graders participate in the activities portion. I had a student approach me at our Fall Festival that evening and thank me for bringing such a powerful assembly to campus – this speaks volumes coming from a 10th grader!

Hi! I was at the Johnson County High School assembly today, I just wanted to say you are absolutely amazing! You are so strong, I cannot even begin to imagine what you went through. We have had several assemblies about that topic, but I have never ever been affected by those stories like I was by yours. You are the perfect person to be sharing, and I love that you demand respect. Please never stop doing what you’re doing!!! 🫶

Recently, Tammy spoke at our school about the importance of safe driving, but most importantly driving with a license. Her speech at our school really altered the way I view life, because within seconds her son was taken from her in such a violent way. This outlook has caused me to always consider the consequences of my actions before I commit them, and how they would affect my loved ones. I really appreciate the time she took to spend at our school speaking out about things that altered her life so dramatically, to hopefully keep us and our loved ones safer.

Fletcher, thank you. You are like a ray of sunshine, shining through even the darkest times. I also envy how kind you are, not being mad at the lady? You’r ereally a great person. Thank you so so so much. You’re also really funny, as well as a good human being. I bet a lot of people were inspired, like me! Thank you for your wisdom!

Incredibly grateful and inspired after spending some time with Paralympian, Author, Coach, Teacher, and Incredible Human, Steve Emt.

There has been so much positive feedback from students! Our sophomore and junior classes participated in Choices Matter’s interactive and riveting presentation series. One student shared this message:

“Hi, Steve! I am one of the kids from the school you were at today and I just wanted to thank you for your time. Your perspective is very inspirational, especially with the things I’ve been going through–I really needed that. You’re such a strong individual and I appreciate people like you who are willing to go above and beyond for others; some people in this building probably really needed this today. Your story is beautiful despite the battle; thank you again.”

I learned that even when you’re having the best time of your life don’t assume that it will all go your way anything can happen whether you like it or not, but it is your decision and yours only don’t let anyone manipulate you in to thinking differently. My favorite part was when he talked about his Olympic career. He was extremely concise and to the point never once going of topic or changing the subject which makes it easy to understand. He hit hard and what I mean by that is, I’ve heard so many people say the same thing but unlike everyone else I felt that he cared about the message he was sending. I connected a lot of what he was saying because of the fact that he expressed that no one is the same even when it comes to how to help them through a hard time but you at least have to try to give them some comfort and be there for them but if they don’t want it, don’t pressure them let them at least know you will be there for them if they feel that it is needed.

Dear Steve

I on truly inspired by your Story. It really showed me how I need to cherish my life and really think about the Choices that I make. thork you for coming to our school on inspiring many people. You are one of the best Public Speakes I have listened to.

I was left without words. Truly amazing speech that I will not forget. I’ll see you on TV next year for the Olympics.

Thank you so much, your words were really inspiring and make me want to push myself further.

Thank you for your time and truly amazing wisdom spread to our school!

Thank you for sharing your story and inspiring our students to be their best selves!

“Cara Filler holds the perfect recipe for addressing serious issues in a memorable, relevant way with today’s young people… Empathy, levity and authority and an unconditional pure interest in choices and safety of those in the audience. Our school was forever moved and changed by her message.”

Hello Hillari – There are no words to describe how wonderful our day at school was yesterday. David was an outstanding speaker – his humor, music, honesty, was all spot on. Teachers were telling me this morning that yesterday was one of the best experiences in their 20 years of teaching. The students were still talking about it today, we have been able to have conversations about forgiveness, determination, will power, and decision making.

We look forward to working with you all in the future. We can not thank you all enough, please send our sincerest gratitude to your speakers, activity organizers and your sponsors.

Thank you so much Hillari!

-Holly, Lisbon, ME

I wanted to reach out an thank everyone for their contributions to our pre-prom safe driving event. I know it was a lot to take out of your already busy days, but I think it made a huge impact on the kids, and in the event, gave them the information to make safe choices.

I don’t think we always get to see the impact of what we do, but the fact that all our kids had a fun night, and made it home safely, is in large part because of all of you. I look forward to making this a yearly tradition, and hope you can join us next year. Thank you again for keeping our kids safe, and for making Nonnewaug a great place to be.

Thank you both so much for allowing us the opportunity to hear Chris speak.

He has an awesome message!

I look forward to working with you next Fall as well.

I enjoyed the presentation because the words that Steve was saying were really meaningful and truthful because he was being honest about the true consequences of drinking and driving. I would suggest that somebody would see this presentation because it had a big impact because of the story, How truthful and meaningful the presentation was, and the overall lesson about drinking and driving. I Suggest glenholme gets a guest speaker who is someone different to discuss a new topic which would be about D.A.R.E. 1 can relate to the story that steve empt was telling because when my sister was in south Dakota she crashed and flipped atv off a big
hill and got seriously hurt.

Dear Fletcher Cleaves,

Thank you for visiting our school. Your presentation was so hearwarming. You are so strong. I wasn’t prepared, I thought this was just gonna be some lecture but actually it was your story. Amazing. You proved everyone wrong that doubted you. I almost cried your presentation was so nice!! It was interesting and amazing. You blanaced your presentation so nicely with humor and inspirational information. You are so positive and always see the good.

Sincerely,

I highly recommend Tammy as a speaker on driver and passenger safety. She shares her son’s story with heartfelt compassion, creating a powerful and personal connection with students. Her genuine concern for their well-being is evident, and her message truly resonates. Tammy’s dedication to promoting safety among young people is both inspiring and impactful.

On behalf of Mr. Stephenson and the entire Riverside Education Academy family, I want to express my sincere thanks for affording Riverside the opportunity to participate in the Choices Matter assembly. We cannot begin to tell you the profound effect this amazing program had on our students and staff. The commitment of Alliance and the Connecticut State Highway Department to students across the nation to make the right choices is greatly appreciated. Participating in the Choices Matter Program has been an invaluable opportunity or our school. We are forever grateful to you for the resources and support you provided. We are also indebted to Mr. Emt, J.J., and Jonathan for the outstanding presentation and their unwavering commitment to the Choices Matter program.
Thank you again for your generosity and leadership.
Warmly,

It was absolutely fantastic! From the set up to the presentation- everything was very well done! If you have any kind of evaluation form for me to fill out, I would be happy to. It was a blessing for our students and staff! Fletcher did a great job relating to and engaging with the students.

So glad you reached out to us and we have this connection now!

I just wanted entere One of the hest eresentations hady. The students were amazing and the speaker kept them engaged the entire time. One of the best presentations I have seen.
Thank you