Published: Thursday, October 13, 2011
Approximately
800 Milan high school students stepped into the
school auditorium recently to hear motivational
speaker, Reggie Dabbs, deliver a message of
encouragement telling students, they can help each
other overcome problems and live their lives to the
fullest.
"I can, you can, we can", Dabbs tells the teens, as
they join in a shout out, "I got your back", which
quickly became the mantra of the day.
This was one of several visits Dabbs has made to
Milan area schools in the past year. Principal Ryan
McMahon said he was pleased to accept Dabbs' request
to speak at Milan High School.
"We are always looking for ways to support and
encourage the student body to reach their
potential", McMahon said.
Dabbs encompasses dance, music, drama and jokes into
his presentation. He addresses pertinent teen issues
in a fun and humorous manner. Dabbs encourages kids
to make wise choices concerning drugs, alcohol,
dating and suicide.
Dabbs tells the young audience he has never smoked a
cigarette, did drugs or drank alcohol because, he
"chose" not to. He assured the students they can
make the same choices.
McMahon said he was aware Dabbs message was well
received, as many students thanked Dabbs for coming
to Milan via the social networking site, Facebook.
Trevor Hawkins a junior at Milan High School,
thanked Dabbs for visiting the Big Reds nation.
Hawkins said Dabbs’ message was particularly
poignant following the deaths of fellow students.
"I’m thankful you keep all of us
alive and well and get a laugh into it, while you’'re at it. Come
back soon Reggie", Hawkins wrote.
Dabbs is in great demand and rarely visits a school
district more than once per year. His quick trip
back to Milan was due in part to an invitation
extended by a local pastors’ group affiliated with,
(o2) Oxygen Ministries of Washtenaw County, who
engaged Dabbs as speaker for a Christian outreach
program held later that evening at the school.
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