Tim Johnson, President, SouthEastern Alberta Teachers’ Convention Association (SEATCA), Medicine Hat, Alberta

On behalf of the SouthEastern Alberta Teachers’ Convention Association (SEATCA), I would like to thank you for your inspiring keynote address at our recent convention on February 25, 2011.

Your inspirational message to over 1000 teachers on how we make a difference in the lives of students, and sharing your story as an example, was very touching. Teachers were very receptive to your unique style of presenting, using storytelling and the power of music to convey a message. Daily, teachers struggle with sad stories regarding the lives of students in their classrooms, and hearing your story about overcoming adversity is not only motivational, but reassuring that we make a difference in the lives of our students.

I know you spoke to teachers, but your presentation style and enthusiasm is surely a hit with students, and I commend you in your efforts to reach out to our children today to share your story and help kids in overcoming adversity. Resiliency is so important in the world today, and your keynote address really fits the needs of our school systems.

Ron Woytowich, Executive Director, Kikinahk Friendship Centre, La Ronge, Saskatchewan

On behalf of Kikinahk Friendship Centre I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the presentation that you provided at our youth conference yesterday. In my experience few people have a natural ability to interact with youth in such a way that youth remain focused on a presentation throughout. You are one of those individuals.

Our youth conference was a phenomenal success, with your role as one of the presenters being one of the reasons for our accomplishment. Once again I thank you for being a part, and will whole heartedly recommend you to any other organization that is planning a youth conference.

Jessica, Student, Foothills Composite High School, Okotoks, Alberta

Hi, you where at my school today for an assembly and wow that was amazing! I was very touched by everything that you said today! I want to thank you for coming in today to make that speech. It made me feel stronger about myself and it was so inspiring, that I feel like I now know how to make my life a little easier on myself. so thank you.

Rachel, Student, Foothills Composite High School, Okotoks, Alberta

Your story is so inspiring, I am so thankful we have people like you who jump over adversity and go on to help others, thank you.

Alfie and Tatjana, Students, Foothills Composite High School, Okotoks, Alberta

When we first heard that we had an assembly and with the rumours that it was about semester end we really just wanted to skip.
We finally decided we would go because attendance was probably going to be taken. We are so glad that we decided to show up because you have moved our hearts and minds. We have great respect for you and the confidence and courage you have. You have our vote 110% for the Refresh project! See You There!

Justine, Student, Spruce Grove Composite High School, Spruce Grove, Alberta

I just wanted to thank you for taking the time and coming to speak at SGCHS. I really loved your presentation; so meaningful and inspiring. I’ve never had a great home life… very much similar to your own. But, with your message I felt empowered to make a change and speak up. Things have really turned around for me in the past few months, there are still some big hurdles ahead of me, but I have found new ways to cope and inspire others through the troubles I have overcome. Thank you again, you truly blessed me with your voice and I feel now I can do the same with others. God Bless you. :)

Zoe, Student, Beaverlodge Regional High School, Beaverlodge, Alberta

Troy, your story was the most amazing story and the most inspirational story I’ve ever heard. When I got to school that morning and got told that we had to go see a speaker I rolled my eyes. I thought your story would be boring but it wasn’t one bit. I loved your story and you inspired me :) thank you.

Lisa, Parent, Wembley, Alberta

Thank you for coming to Wembley! Your story is amazing!! You have so much to be proud of and to be thankful for!! Thank you for sharing your journey…your life!! I am thankful that I got the privilege to come and listen and learn from you!!P.S …My daughter was so excited to have gotten your autograph!!

Katie, Student, Spruce Grove Composite High School, Spruce Grove, Alberta

Hey! Just sayin’ thanks for doing a show at SGCHS for us yesterday. Was brilliant, thanks for being so motivational and just awesome. Some inspirational/motivational speakers are so lame, they talk AT you and lose your interest. You and your band definitely kept my interest, you were all great and I could tell everyone had put tons of work into what they were doing. Was great – totally something I’ll keep with me throughout my life.

Michelle Kowalchuk, Teacher, Spruce Grove Composite High School, Spruce Grove, Alberta

I was fortunate to be able to see your presentation at Memorial this afternoon and I have to say that it was very worth while. I have been privileged to see many speakers over my career, but I have to tell you that I felt like your message was likely THE most powerful and valuable that I have ever heard. Your message of Resiliency today was compelling and completely engaging but even more importantly it gave all who witnessed, real, concrete tools and suggestions on how they can move forward in their lives regardless of the type of adversity they have experienced.