On March 25th, students at Greater Johnstown Middle School were both inspired and entertained during visits from two nationally-known figures. Randy Hogue, a motivational speaker who survived an abusive childhood and substance addiction as a young adult, inspired students and offered four keys to becoming a positive and purposeful student: 1. Proclaim Your Rarity: Everyone is unique and can offer something special to our world. 2. Go the Extra Mile: Don’t settle for mediocrity—strive for excellence. 3. Use Wisely Your Power to Choose: The uniquely human power of choice can be used to help others and oneself in positive ways. 4. Do It All With Love: Toward others and yourself.
JMS 8th grader Samantha Miller was moved by Hogue’s message. “His family history is sad, but it was a great lesson. People start using drugs to deal with stress and to escape reality, but the drugs always make the problems worse and then become problems themselves,” Stated Miller.
On the same day, three time X-Games medalist Matt Wilhelm spoke to JMS students about the benefits of academics before thrilling the audience with a demonstration of his skills. Wilhelm, known as one of the best BMX flatland riders in the world attained a high percentage of his athletic success—including a Silver Medal in the World Championships—while attending college on an academic and music scholarship, eventually earning a Bachelors degree with High Honors.
As one of the many audience members involved in Wilhelm’s demonstration, JMS 7th grader Adrian Fisher enthusiastically volunteered for a lesson using Wilhelm’s bicycle. “It was cool to learn a trick and to perform it in front of all the students,” Stated Fisher. Wilhelm’s grand finale involved jumping his bicycle over Principal Darren Buchko, Assistant Principal Frank Frontino, and science teacher Phyllis Meyers.
Wilhelm’s visit was made possible by JMS students’ reaching a magazine sales goal during a Great American Opportunities fundraiser arranged by sales representative Jeff Page. Profits from the fundraiser were used to subsidize the cost of the JMS yearbook for students. “Our goal is to have a high quality yearbook in full-color that all of our students can afford. We want all of our students to have the opportunity twenty of thirty years from now to sit with their children and reminisce about the great times they had here at JMS, including this assembly,” Stated JMS Principal Darren Buchko.
