TESTIMONIALS

Real Stories, Real Impact.

Hear How Choices Matter Has Changed Lives

At Choices Matter, we believe that every decision shapes your future. Our program has inspired countless young people to make healthier, more empowered choices—and their stories speak for themselves. Below, you’ll find powerful testimonials from individuals who’ve experienced the life-changing impact of Choices Matter. These are real voices, sharing real results. We are proud to be part of their journey, and we know that with the right guidance, anyone can create a brighter, healthier future.

“..our sophomore group is one of our ‘rowdier’ groups, so I was a little nervous about their behavior, but they were engaged, participating, and hooked the entire time. When Fletcher was speaking, you could hear a pin drop on how focused they were! They were even talking about it in the halls and during lunch with their friends from other grade levels. It was phenomenal. We will absolutely want to make this an occurring assembly at OCHS!

I am so thankful for all of the work and organization that you all put into these assemblies. It was such a powerful and impactful time for our students, and I fully believe that they took away important messages. I talked about it with my husband in JCPS, and I think he may be sharing the word with his administration. I will talk highly of this assembly everywhere I go!”

-Jenna, School Counselor

Oldham County High School, KY

Thank you so much for presenting to our students! I believe your message touched them and they will be more likely to think about driving consequences in the future.

Sara
South Harrison High School

On behalf of York High School, I would like to sincerely thank you for taking the time to reach out and introduce us to the Choices Matter Program.

The activities and presentation were both engaging and informative, and it left an impression on our students and staff.

We truly appreciate the effort your whole team put into sharing valuable insights and experiences. Your program’s message about the dangers of making choices that involve substance use was not only inspiring but also relevant to our student body. The students were so engaged and attentive during Chris’s speech (which speaks volumes!). His passion for the subject and his personal story were impactful.

Thank you again for your time and dedication to making a difference in our community. We hope to welcome you back to our school in the future!

Debra
York High School
York, 
Maine

I found his story very inspiring and uplifting. It was great to see how he didn’t ruin his life over this mistake and kept pushing. I think that that is a great mindset to have in life. His experience in prison was a bit scary to me. It’s even more scary that he wasn’t addicted to alcohol, it was just a very big mistake. The speaker definitely taught me to be careful and consider all risks when dealing with peer pressure or any kind of addictive substance.

Student
Hopkins School
New Haven, 
Connecticut

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.

Student
Glenholme School
Washington, 
Connecticut

Thank you so much for bringing the Choices Matter presentation to Saint Joseph High School. Fletcher Cleaves delivered a powerful message that truly resonated with our students. The kids were utterly engaged from beginning to end, and many shared how impactful and inspiring they found his story.

We are so grateful for the opportunity to host such a meaningful and timely program, especially as our students prepare for Prom and the end of the school year. Please extend our thanks to your team and, most importantly, to Fletcher for his honesty, energy, and encouragement. His message was exactly what our school community needed to hear.

We look forward to working with you again in the future!

Mr. Corey
Assistant Principal of Student Life
Saint Joseph High School
South Bend, 
Indiana

I am sorry that this email is late, but I wanted to reach out and 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 end, 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.

Mykal
Principal
Nonnewaug High School
Woodbury, 
Connecticut

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

Holly
Sugg Middle School
Lisbon, 
Maine

I wanted to send you a quick thank you for reaching out about visiting BFMS. Fletcher and the VPA team were super flexible, patient and awesome to listen to! My students were super engaged and I’m really grateful they got to experience Fletchers story. I think it made a huge impact.

Thank you so much, I hope we can stay in touch in the future!

Cat
Assistant Principal
Bellow Falls Middle School
Rockingham, 
Vermont

I just wanted to say thank you for coming to my son’s school to speak.

He has not stopped talking about it and how cool it was to meet you. I believe you made an impact on his life and he will be safer for it!

Shannon
Aztec High School
Aztec, 
New Mexico

Thank you so much! The Choices Matter program was fantastic. Cara Filler was a wonderful, engaging, and motivating speaker.
God Bless,

Anastasia
DeSales High School
Louisville, 
KY

Thanks for reaching out. The program was excellent; and I believe it reached our students in a positive manner! We are very thankful for being afforded this opportunity for our studentgs! I have signed and returned the letter for you.

Please let me know if you need anything else from me.

Bud
Knoxville Christian School
Knoxville, 
Tennessee

I wanted to tell you that the assembly yesterday was a huge success with the students and staff.

I was very impressed with all of the people involved. They were super friendly, on task, and very organized.

Please remember us in the fall for the 25-26 school year. We were so sad that most of our high school missed out on the presentation.

Hollis High School
Hollis, 
Oklahoma

“Almost a year later, I am still so thankful to have been able to meet and hear the story of Fletcher Cleaves. Not only has he opened our eyes to the dangers of distracted driving, but he has also taught us that the sky can’t possibly be the limit if there are footprints on the moon. Fletcher has taught me to never give up on my dreams and to not reach for the sky, but to reach for the stars.”

Dear Mr. Ent Your spech casted light upon our cloudy minds, and opened a new door to the GOAT debate. Thank you for showing our school proper NBA knowledge. You’re the real MVP.

Students
Ellsworth High School
Ellsworth, 
Maine

Thank you, Fletcher Cleaves!

Bellow Falls Middle School

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!

Lindsey
Administrator
Hopkins School
New Haven, 
Connecticut

I just want to thank you and everyone involved in this program. Our students had such a powerful experience this morning. We are so thankful to have offered this program to our students.

Shelton High School
Shelton, 
Connecticut

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.

Student
Glenholme School
Washington, 
Connecticut

Bring Choices Matter to Your School!

A single presentation can change the trajectory of a student’s life. Our speakers share real, powerful stories that challenge students to think differently about their choices — from impaired driving to peer pressure to personal responsibility.

If your school is ready to inspire meaningful conversations, request a presentation today.

We’ll work with you to schedule a speaker who will engage, empower, and leave a lasting impact.