Motivational speaker Brett Eastburn message for students at Clarkston Elementary was never give up.
Born with no arms or legs, Eastburn knew what he was talking about.
‘When you say ‘I can’t do that,? you’re right, because you’re not even going to try,? said Eastburn, who demonstrated his abilities to dribble a basketball, throw a football, open a pop, and even break a board using Tae Kwan Do. “The minute you give up, that’s when it’s over.?
Eastburn was one of many presenters and activities at Monday’s Reach for the Stars program at Clarkston Elementary School.
‘We offer it to the kids so that, especially in today’s times, they get an up-close-and-personal look at how you can achieve anything with your hard work and desire, in spite of a handicap and obstacle,” said Angela Ninotti, chairperson.
Presenters earlier in the day talked about famous people who overcame obstacles and handicaps.
‘We identify certain individuals, like the ones our presenters talked about, Sally Ride, Beethoven, and so on,” Ninotti said. “We share with the kids what their obstacles or handicap was and how they overcame it. And not only how they overcame, but how they excelled and succeeded in life many, many ways.?
The program is for third graders, but fourth and fifth graders are brought back as a reminder. It’s just another avenue for students to become acquainted with realities of life, Ninotti said.
Kellie Garrett, parent and presenter, said about eight parents helped out in the morning with presentations. She talked about Tiger Woods.
‘It went really well. The kids loved it,? Garrett said.
Each individual presenter had their own hands-on activity pertaining to who they were talking about.
Eastburn was born with Quadmembral Limbs Deficiency. He began speaking professionally in 1990 and has done more than 2,000 presentations worldwide to more than a million people.
Eastburn is an accomplished swimmer. He became a member of the wrestling team in junior high, and wrestled on the varsity team in high school.
He does shows for middle schools, high schools, colleges, corporations and organizations. He also does comedy. For more information, check www.bretteastburn.com or call 877-559-5744.