Manny Scott was hands down AMAZING! Our staff, superintendent, and campus leaders loved Manny Scott’s message. He was exactly what we all needed to hear. Thank you for all of your help.

TRAINING LEADERS/ADULTS -- "I used to think Manny Scott was the best speaker I had ever heard in my 46 years in education- and I still do. But I believe, after hearing him teach [my administrators and teachers] today, that his strongest suit is that of lecturing and teaching and interacting with an audience...He puts it in a way that is easy to understand. Plus, he brings great credibility to it because of his background."

"Sorry but this is going to be a LONG message but I didn't think you would mind...I have been seriously thinking about killing myself, and you came to my school and helped me see that I'm not alone in my struggle with depression and loneliness. I've been so sad because my mother died recently...A few weeks ago my dad came into my room to find me crying on my bed. Because of you, I asked him if I could go to counseling. He asked me why... I showed him my wrists and how they were cut up. He was shocked. He asked me why I did it. My response: I didn't think that there was any other reason for me to live if my mom isn't alive. I started balling. He hugged me and said, 'okay I will find you a counselor tomorrow.' Now I feel so much better. I don't feel depressed anymore. Basically what I am trying to say is... you helped me and thank you. you are truly my hero."

IMPROVED GRADES AND PERFORMANCE
"Mr. Scott, words will never be able to describe how thankful I am that you were able to speak at my school a few months ago. Since then, I have been a new person. I let go of all my old ways, and I am now doing a lot better in school, as well as at home. I stopped smoking. I stopped drinking. I realized that where I want to go in life is way more important than the drugs or alcohol. I have actually applied myself in school and stopped sleeping in class. Here's how I have improved so far in school since your visit:

English- I went from a 54 to a 73
Math- I went from a 27 to a 71
Physics- From a 38 to a 69
History-From a 50 to a 78

I wouldn't have been able to do it without you! Thank you!"

SUICIDES PREVENTED - "Dear Mr. Scott, I heard you today at my school and was so moved. I talked to you to, and it means so much that you do this...I recently wrote a suicide note, and tonight I was gonna end it with a knife, but you came to my school today and saved me. Your words were stronger than my knife. I owe you so much! You are a true man, a true hero, and a true saviour! Thank you so much." -Anonymous Student

Manuel's message of hope, the value of intrinsic motivation and personal determination in beating the odds, was awe-inspiring. Manuel's not only an excellent role model for students but an inspiration to us all!