BY ALICIA DORSET
Clarkston News Staff Writer
Think back to middle school and the countless assemblies that were presented. Any special presentations jump out? Probably not. But for the students at Clarkston Middle School on Feb. 25, one assembly left a lasting impression that drove home an important message.
Motivational speaker Tim Cusack of Grand Rapids presented ways to build character and stay true to one’s self to the students and staff of CMS.
‘Overall, he got our attention and made it fun,? Lauren Frank, CMS eighth grader, said. ‘He got us into it. Most assemblies don’t.?
Using skits, dancing and audience participation, Cusack engaged the crowd with personal stories from his own hardships in life. A former merchant marine, Cusack used his time in the military to motivate himself to go back to school.
Cusack’s messages were important to the school. This school year the staff members have been reinforcing the importance of good character and what it means to all grade levels with a theme of ‘character counts?.
Teacher Chuck Keegan was especially impressed by Cusack’s performance before he even presented to the students.
‘He talked to us (teachers) at the beginning of the year,? Keegan said. ‘I’ve been through 32 opening year programs and he almost had me in tears. He really moved me.?
With the philosophy ‘laughter that matters?, Cusack is a comedian and theater teacher. He started the presentation off by asking for the students respect since he would respect them.
To present a story on self humility, Cusack recounted a time where he and a student got into a break- dancing challenge that impressed both performers.
Seventh grader Paige McClelland was impressed by Cusack’s ability to do impressions. She challenged him to do as many as she could.
‘He was funny but meaningful,? McClelland said.
Cusack also reminded students to ask for help when needed. He pointed out experiences in his life he would have done differently had he asked for help.
Asking about the presentation after Cusack left brought smiles to the faces of CMS students.
‘You know when an assembly is good is when 400 kids are on the bleachers and no one is moving,? Linda Foran, CMS principal, said.