A Positive Message 

We work hard to help our students learn both academically and socially. This week, even the adults were reminded of a few very important life messages that are easy to put to the back of our minds. Matt Wilhelm, BMX Flatland rider and motivational speaker, spent about 45 minutes with each student group to share his very inspirational message and perform some amazing and  crazy tricks.

Matt's message has 3 major theme's, the first, "Never give up!" Matt begins his story by showing the students some of the tricks that led him to win his first X-Game Championship. Matt is actually a World Championship Silver Medalist and two-time United States National Champion. He talks to the students about how the first time he competed in the X-Games he came in last place. He could have given up, but instead he worked harder and the next year he came in first place. Matt also appeared on America's Got Talent. 

Matt also gave some students a chance to "try their best" with some tricks.  

A second important theme to Matt's message was kindness to others. Matt talked about being bullied as a child because he was different. Some kids teased him because they thought his ears looked funny and thus nicked named him "ears." Matt looked for someone to be his "superhero" and stand up for him. Well he found that hero in another student who ultimately became his friend. Matt taught students how the power of words can effect people. Some words can really hurt and make people feel worthless, while others can turn poor behavior around. We all have the power to use our words to help others.

Matt's final message was that practice makes success and that all people have talents, they just need to keep working at it.  He reminded students that working hard in school and at their talents will help them to become great at whatever they want to do.  Matt told them that he went to college and graduated with honors, even getting a college scholorship. The students listened intently.

Matt finally showed the students his greatest trick of all, which he hoped to be able to perform successfully. That trick involved jumping over 3 teachers.  3 brave teachers, at each assembly, took on the challenge and with several near misses of practice, Matt completed his successful jump!!!

If you'd like to learn more about Matt and his message, check out his website at:

http://www.mattwilhelm.com/