I was not in favor of hiring a "big name" (big money) speaker for our event. However, Dave Dravecky was worth every penny! I would have him again. We could not be more pleased. He was better than Bill Bennett and John Wooden combined! Thank you. "Talk about understanding where students are today and their struggle with identity and self-worth. Dave spoke from the heart -- to their hearts -- and changed some of them, forever. " This year marks the tenth consecutive time I have been our annual Conference Chairman. I am responsible for hiring the speakers and Dave was our after dinner speaker. Dave's talk was inspiring and riveting. I know that is overused, but if it ever applied anywhere, it did here. Dave scored an amazing evaluation rating of 4.83/5. This is the highest score we have ever had for an after dinner speaker in our conference history. It is also the first time that the entire audience erupted as one in a standing ovation at the closing of his talk. I found Dave to be personable and genuine. It was a true pleasure to work with him and get to know him. Dave's powerful message touches his audience personally and inspires all of us to live who we are and to live life forward, while recognizing the importance of family and friends - you are not alone.