This video offers a glimpse of the StandUp and Choose! Tour and its impact in schools.
A cast of dynamic speakers bring their unique experiences to life and show the audience that it is possible to rise above any situation.
Mary Dreliszak
StandUp & Choose! Tour Founder and Host, Speaker, Author and Cable Television Host of “People Who Inspire”
It’s an honor to present this life-changing assembly in schools with such a courageous cast of speakers. They come from different backgrounds, but share a common strength and a passion to make a difference. Together, we’re taking students on a journey to discover that their lives matter and that the choices they make today can determine their future.
In what has been described as “phenomenal”, the multi-media assembly teaches respect and how to be strong from the inside, out. Now with two presentations, 1.0 and 2.0, we’re taking it to the next level – so that kids everywhere can too.
Lauren Gross
Behavioral Health Professional, Choreographer, Coping and Confidence Speaker
Mary Sampey
Faith Formation Leader, Drug Prevention Advocate, Healthy Mind and Body Champion
Ethan Keedy
Survivor of Father’s Suicide, Life Advocate, Entrepreneur, Future President
Scott Fichter
Educator, Entrepreneur, Fitness Instructor, Positive Hip Hop Messenger
Daynelle Sanner
Love Life Foundation Chair, Fitness Instructor, Competitive Trail and Obstacle Athlete
Sarah Schimansky
Musician, Youth Mentor, Positive Self Image Advocate
Eric Johnson
Pastor, Army Veteran, Retired Corrections Officer, Personal Trainer, Survivor
Justice Greer
Anti-Bullying Advocate, Actor, Bullied Overcomer
With messages that are anti-drug, anti-bullying, and life-affirming, this high energy, interactive and multi-media presentation inspires middle and high school students to make positive choices – and to respect themselves and others. Both the 1.0 and 2.0 assemblies were developed with input from schools, social service agencies and law enforcement and feature videos co-produced by Mary Dreliszak and Paul Ruggieri, a 30-time Emmy award winning PBS affiliate video-photojournalist.
Serving as the host in both productions, Mary engages students and gives an empowering message on bullying. Joining her are:
- Lauren Gross, a behavioral health professional, speaking on coping and confidence in 1.0 and 2.0.
- Daynelle Sanner, chair of the Love Life Foundation in memory of Jarrett Hutton, sharing inspirational art and messages of hope. In 2.0, she returns and joins Scott Fichter, an educator and an underdog who inspires students to overcome obstacles. They share their stories with positive messages and Hip Hop student engagement.
- Justice Greer and Sarah Schimansky, telling how they gained a healthier perspective of themselves and changed their response to bullying in both presentations.
- Mary Sampey, courageously sharing the story of her sister’s heroin overdose death. In 1.0, she encourages students to seek counseling support for emotional issues and in 2.0 continues the conversation on healthy relationships and why they matter.
- Ethan Keedy, delivering his powerful and personal story of rising above his father’s suicide to make positive choices in his life. In 2.0, Ethan returns to focus on how having goals impacts the choices we make and our ability to overcome.
- Eric Johnson, serving as a voice of hope to those with no support system. The pastor and retired corrections officer grew up in an inner city neighborhood and knows first-hand the consequences of wrong choices. He joins 2.0 on video and live to provide inspiration, motivation, and love.
Mary’s high energy, interactive approach – along with her co-presenters – create an unforgettable experience. Are you ready to create a culture of respect at your school and impact the lives of students? Contact us to book StandUp & Choose! Tour today!
