| Speaker
on student success to be at PHS
Students, staff and parents will be in for a special treat on September 14th when Arel Moodie, known as America’s  Top
Young Speaker, comes to visit Prairie High. Moodie is internationally recognized
for his positive influence with students, and as a thought leader on student
success. President Barack Obama personally acknowledged Moodie for his
work as a young leader in America, and Arel has been a featured speaker
at the White House.
Students may mistake him as a performer, as he’s known to demonstrate his dancing moves while talking with them. However, his real purpose in coming to Cottonwood is to teach young people that success is possible in school and in life if you put your mind to it. “I wanted to partner with Prairie High and meet the area’s high school students because I know what they are going through,” Moodie said. “It’s tough to get excited about school when faced with some of today’s stressors, but the victory on the other side is more than worth the effort of working through it.” A high-energy motivator, Arel makes it a point to get students up on their feet and engaged in the discussion. “It’s about getting them to believe that they are somebody and can become somebody”, he said. “We’ll talk about how to be successful in school, gain confidence and focus, set goals and build a rock-solid foundation for their futures.” Moodie also stresses the importance of starting and completing their higher education degree. He is founder of “The College Success Program”, and author of the bestselling book Your Starting Point for Student Success. It is his personal experience growing up on welfare in the projects of Brooklyn, New York and surrounded by crime that led him to see college as his way out. He started his first company while in college, served as president of four student organizations and was named one of the top five exemplary students at his school. He firmly believes that helping students go to and go through college can teach them to do what most people won’t so they can have what most people don’t. As a professional speaker, Arel Moodie is in high demand, having spoken to more than 175,000 students in 46 states and five countries. Most important, however, is the feedback from those who have experienced one of his events. People like Hewlett Packard executive Brian Tippens, whose company was part of an event where Arel Moodie spoke. “Arel is an incredible speaker with a great message and also got the crowd inspired,” Tippens said. “Students didn’t want to leave.” Moodie will present to all Prairie Jr/Sr High students at 8:45 am on September 14 at the PHS gym. He will also provide a parent and community presentation at 6:30 pm on September 14, also at the PHS gym. Community members are welcome to join us for both presentations. This visit is made possible due to the financial support of federal college and career readiness grant, GEAR UP, which the Cottonwood School District has participated in for over 10 years. Along with students, parents, teachers, administrators and other interested community members are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit www.collegesuccessprogram.com |
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