Reviews

“Imagine your rebellious high school student that’s smoking weed on a consistent basis,
along with your straight-A, varsity cheerleading captain and throw in the awkward and
unpopular student who’s confused about their sexuality. Interesting group to say the
least, but even more interesting is they’re each huddled around Mike Smith talking to him
and to each other! Mike did something that not very many public speakers do; he authenticated each of these students’ feelings and choices by telling his story.”

- Amelia Holder, Youth Director

“Each program was designed specifically for the audience’s maturity/age. His words were thought provoking as he brought a compelling perspective from his background as a student that was once bullied to being the bully. His experience in working with at-risk youth as a motivational speaker and skate park owner enhances his ability to successfully reach students at their level.”

- Jerry E. Mack, Chadron High School Principal
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“Mike came to our school and talked to us about things that high school students are ACTUALLY struggling with, it was almost like he went to our high school.”

- Nicole (senior)

“It has been several weeks now since you were here to speak for our students and they are still talking about it!  You were able to really relate to them and what they could be facing now or in the future with regard to less than perfect family lives and hard social decisions to be made.  Mike’s testimonial was very moving and is a scenario that many of our students face today.”

- Ms. Jolene Drake

“I felt like Mike was talking right to me when he came to our school, he isn’t like any other motivational speakers I’ve heard, he actually knows what it’s like to be in high school.”

- Christian (junior)

“Mike Smith spoke with our students in grades K-5 at Randolph School. His message of using words for love and kindness to others, rather than hate and hurting, made sense to the children, who were an engaged audience, listening raptly to Mike’s stories. Mike changed his stories and vocabulary to meet the needs of the students: Kindergarten and First graders heard about “mean” things kids had said to Mike growing up, while fifth graders heard more details as well as examples of how Mike himself had been a bully and what helped him change. Honest, direct, and entertaining, Mike Smith’s conversation with children about the importance of bystanders speaking up in a bullying situation had a positive impact on our students’ behavior.”

- Dr. Wendy Bonaiuto, Randolph School Principal

“Mike brought forth fantastic storytelling to engage students in his story of bullying, loving and hating. Mike’s charisma and ability to speak makes him the center of attention as soon as he walks into the room and the kids are immediately drawn to him. The way he teaches to kids to “love” and not “hate” really resonates with the students. By the time school was out on the day Mike came to speak, I had kids walking out the door repeating Mike’s message.”

- Thomas Pargett, Randolph School Teacher

“Continue living life to the fullest and if you aren’t, then start. Open your eyes and see all the amazing possibilities that are right under your nose. Life is a struggle for everyone, so why not help who you can while you’re still able to? Thanks to Mike Smith, an amazing motivational speaker that came to my school, my eyes have been opened to even more possibilities!”

- Emily (senior)

“…Listening to [Mike] made me want to go out and do something. I wanted to be something and make an impact, but I didn’t really know what to do or where to start…I knew I wanted to make girls feel beautiful and loved and worth something. A little while ago, my friend Christine had put up sticky notes on a bathroom mirror telling girls that they are more than a number on a scale and that beauty isn’t only on the outside. The idea is called ‘Operation Beautiful.’ I decided that’s where I was going to start. I covered the mirrors and halls in notes, only to be stopped by an assistant principal. They told me I couldn’t do it…Over the weekend, I made petitions and letters and by third hour, I got the attention of the principal and now we’re working out a way to make ‘Operation Beautiful’ a part of my school! [Mike] gave me the motivation to do this and I’m so glad! I didn’t think I’d be able to do it this fast or even at all! Everybody deserves to feel good about themselves and now I can make that a possibility!”

- Erin (sophomore)