“Rudy” will share his trademark
“Yes I Can” message Monday, May 12,
at an assembly.
PARIS – Internationally known celebrity Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, one of the most popular motivational speakers in the country, will kick of this year’s Respect Week today at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.
Ruettiger, whose life story about his determination to be a Notre Dame star football player was made into the 1993 critically-acclaimed film, “Rudy,” will share his trademark “Yes I Can” message to the entire student body Monday, May 12 at a 12:40 p.m. assembly.
On Tuesday, Bill Manning, a teacher and counselor who also travels nationally, will speak in two morning sessions to the students about such topics as bullying and how a dysfunctional family impacts schools and communities. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, he’ll focus on the topic of bullying in a presentation open to the public.
Wednesday will feature comedian Jud Laippley, who uses humor to talk about the power of choice, relationships and dating, diversity and motivation.
Thursday will feature visits by Somali students and adults who will explain their culture and encourage OHCHS students to take part in a discussion about the importance of a good education.
On Friday, the speaker is Dr. Ken Hamilton, director of the H.O.P.E. Center in Paris, with entertainment provided by juggler Mike Miclon. Hamilton will stress to students that each of them is unique and has a core passion that gives life meaning and purpose.
Respect Team adviser Jeanie Stone said the entire week, with the theme “Respect for Your Future,” is planned and organized by the Respect Team, which this year has grown to 25 members. Throughout the year the students travel to SAD 17 elementary schools to teach about respect, and have produced a teaching video used when they present their work at other schools.
The team just returned from a trip to Minneapolis the end of April to a national service learning convention, where six team members gave a workshop presentation.
“They were incredibly professional in their presentation,” Stone said.
Respect Day began in 1997 at OHCHS and continued annually until it was changed to a week of activities in 2002. The team receives its funding from the National Innovation Center for Community and Youth Development, National 4-H Council, Pine Tree 4-H Foundation, and Healthy Oxford Hills.
Comments are no longer available on this story