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I got to kick off my first Red Ribbon speaking arrangement at Burrel Elemantary and it was a very good event. The school was a small school out in the country and in whole was about 150 students. The interesting thing about this school was the way in which the principle interacted with the students. Even though he was speaking to students that were as young as 6 years old he spoke them as though they were high school students. He used big words and asked the kids if they knew what the words meant and would define it for them after using the word. I really respect that approach as it broadens the minds of students and makes them think.

The kids were amazing! They were so well mannered and when it came to the Q & A they asked some very bright questions. One lil girl who was probably 5-6 asked me why I would take the medicine from the home I robbed. Since I was speaking to kids from such a young age to 8th graders my story and message had to be toned down so everyone could understand. Young kids don’t need to hear a lot of the details that went on in my story to understand the negative consequences to using drugs and making poor life choices.

As usual I tried to promote the sport of BMX by inviting the kids out to the Freewheel Project! I’m really hoping to see some of the kids from this school out at the track looking to give BMX a shot for the first time!

After my speech I sat down to sign some autographs for the kids. This is my favorite time because the kids love to make a connection with someone they look up to or that inspires them. The smiles on the face of these kids when you give them something to remember is priceless! Everyone was extremely thankful and i’m looking forward to speaking at the school again in the future! Burrel Elementary you guys rock!

THoff “Tony Hoffman”