Not much time passed since my last trip to Texas but I just came back from another week there—a week filled with six student assemblies, a teacher workshop, and two breakouts for educational leaders. It's a big state—with big needs.
Austin, TX
I led two seminars on leadership, education, and culture that helped several servant-leaders. While sharing some of my latest research with the attendees I could see many light bulbs going off in the minds of the participants. That "aha" moment, when it is visible, is truly one of the greatest joys of teaching, facilitating, and speaking.
Manor, TX
When I pulled up the next day to Manor Excel Academy, about 20 students were standing outside with signs to welcome me (above). "Welcome Mr. Scott! Thank you so much for coming to our school. We loved your book!" It was truly humbling. Once we got set up, I spoke to students about their power to turn their lives around through education. I begged them to take school more seriously, and shared some things to help them do so. We took pictures and made a few videos. I could tell the staff there really loves the students. Great day!
Testimonial from Ms. Nikkida Butler, School Counselor (Manor Excel Academy)
On February 18, students were excited to welcome Manny Scott to Manor Excel Academy in Manor, Texas. The book club at MEA had read his book, Turning the Page, and, inspired by his life story, wanted to hear more. They were deeply moved by his presentation as many have faced adversity as well. Returning to class, they opened their hearts, writing of childhoods fraught with uncertainty—of parents who were physically or emotionally absent, parents who chose drugs over their children, parents who were abused and/or abused their kids. They were comforted and inspired to hear that they, too, could move beyond their present circumstances. Many resolved to double their efforts to graduate on time or even early. We have taken on Manny's mantra—"Wings or Weights?"—to encourage positive choices. We feel blessed and grateful for Mr. Scott and his work. Thank you, Mr. Manny Scott, for not only your wings, but taking time to reach back and take all of our hands, grabbing hold of us to lead us towards our journey of chasing and pursuing freedom to live life.
San Antonio, TX
I spoke six times at two schools for two consecutive days in San Antonio. First, I spoke at three assemblies to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, respectively. A lot of kids lined up after the assemblies to thank me, and to share some very personal things with me. Even though I speak to hundreds of thousands of people a year, there are some who, for one reason or another, stay on my heart, days and years after the engagement. One such person was a young African-American man who just walked up to me at the end of my assembly and lost it. I hugged him and he just sobbed. When he was finally able to speak, he said, "It's just SO hard. So hard. … It's just sooo hard. So hard …" Was it hard to succeed in school, as an African-American, or to cope with the troubles at home? Probably all of the above. His burden felt so heavy—a burden that is not completely foreign to me. The struggle of being an African-American, especially male, in many schools today is indeed harder than many people realize.
During my 10-minute lunch-break (I hardly ever have time to eat because the kids need to talk), I heard a knock on the door. In walked a young man (let's call him John) who had been suspended for a (gang?) fight earlier in the day (the police had to come to the school and intervene). Fortunately, because no one could get a hold of his parents, John had to sit in the back of the auditorium during my assembly. When he entered the room where I was eating lunch, John walked up to me, and in the most humble, meek demeanor, extended his hand to me, and said, "Sir, thank you for changing my life." "What do you mean? How did I change your life?" He said: "Sir, you opened my eyes today. You helped me see that I need to stop bangin'. That I need to get an education, sir. I want more out of life, sir. So thank you. Just thank you, sir." He seemed so sincere and grateful. After the young man left, Principal David Crowe, who observed the whole exchange, said, "I have never heard him say 'sir' that many times in a sentence."
At the end of the assemblies, I had a chance to speak to the staff. During that last presentation, an educator said, "you really opened my eyes. I did not know that our kids were facing so many challenges. The way they trusted you was incredible. You connected with them and reached them in a way I have never seen before." Another teacher who works with John (the young man who visited me for lunch), said "when we went back to class, a kid said, 'I'm going to change my life tomorrow;' and John confronted him, saying, 'no! Not tomorrow! Today! Today! You have to make the decision to change your life today." I think John got my message! Thank God!
Mr. Crowe is one of the strongest leaders I've met. He is a leader's leader and was attuned to the realities that his kids and staff are facing every day. His insight and wisdom helped me tailor each presentation to the four groups.
(Here's a link to an article the school posted online after my visit.)
Testimonial from Mr. David Crowe, Principal (Garner Middle School)
We had a wonderful day here with Manny talking to our students and teachers. The impact was evident as students saw very quickly that they were not alone on some very emotional and difficult situations when asked to stand with Manny and students who did not stand for these situations showed great empathy to those who stood. Students were also very motivated by Manny’s story of hope, perseverance, and hard work leading him to success despite his difficult circumstances. I feel my students were able to relate to his background, his sincerity, and his genuine presentation. When our 8th grade students went to lunch following their presentation, my assistant principal told me he had never seen a cafeteria so quiet as students were very reflective of what they just heard.
For my teachers, they were in tears watching the empathy of our students toward each other in the moments that followed the opening activity. They were also moved by the sheer number of students who stood up to acknowledge the serious issues they are going through. In the afternoon workshop, the teachers were “fired up” as they got a good feel for the impact that Ms. Gruwell had on the students in her classroom. I think it renewed their sense of purpose in a very difficult stretch of the school year. I know that Manny made a definite impact at Garner Middle School that will be felt for some time.
The following day I headed to a different school for two more assemblies. I was told that there were a lot more gangs in that school's neighborhood. In fact, some of the most notorious Mexican gangs in the country are firmly rooted in many Texas cities. Because of that, I worked emphatically to steer as many of the kids away from gangs as possible. After the presentation, a group of young men approached me after my presentation to thank me. One of them was taller than me. He had tears in his eyes. Clearly a leader. He quietly said, "thank you." "For what?," I asked. "For helping me see that I need to get out of this gang. I need to stop bangin. I need to stop bangin." I could tell he meant it. Several of his peers, who perhaps were flirting with gang life (they wore the same colors and had some of the same symbols on their clothes, etc.), spent a good deal of time with me, and shook my hand about 20 times, to reiterate their gratitude for my presentation. It was a day I won't soon forget.
Teacher Testimonials (Nimitz Middle School)
This program was amazing! Manny changed lives. Students that had not responded to interventions are beginning to show signs of change. I have one who has not done any work all year here in my room at this moment working on research for a biography and presentation! Next year, bring him in the first semester!
I think his presentation was awesome! My students were totally engaged the entire time. He talked about taboo subjects that teachers don’t always want to discuss or don’t have the time to discuss, but needs to be discussed. It sparked great discussions in class and great writing opportunities. I’m glad my students experienced that. Those issues he spoke of are not just for students of poverty. It was good for the students to see teachers stand up, too.
I have been here 13 years and there has only been one other speaker that moved us to tears but this one was different because the kids is what moved me to tears. It was eye opening to see what our kids go through and this helped put things into perspective. It was hard seeing my kids cry. I would pay to see him again.
Testimonial from Ms. Cindy Jory, Administrative Assistant to the Director NEISD, Federal Programs
The message was powerful. What I remember most about the reaction was the noise level in the auditorium before he began to speak and the complete silence as hundreds of 7th and 8th graders filed out of the auditorium. The sight of 12-14-year-old boys (and girls) sobbing made you realize that he was describing something these kids, babies, had experienced firsthand. Also, to hear from parents that the carpool discussions were about the assembly and how it made them feel. I know Mr. Scott reached several kids. I pray that there is someone in their lives who will continue to lead those kids in the right direction. I was blessed to see such a mild mannered person reach students so deeply with the power of his words.