‘Unstoppable You!’ program comes to town of Cloverdale

Friday, August 31, 2018
Craig Conrad presents his “Unstoppable You!” program during a community event Thursday evening at Cloverdale High School.
Banner Graphic/Brand Selvia

CLOVERDALE -- Cloverdale students and the community at large were treated to a healthy dose of enthusiasm this week with a personality that was loud and passionate.

During a three-day event, motivational speaker Craig Conrad addressed issues of drug abuse, bullying, achievement and unconditional pride for our country in his high-energy “Unstoppable You!” program at Cloverdale High School.

Conrad is a nationally recognized educator and author who has been featured on programs such as the “NBC Nightly News.” He is also the host of the “Call of the Wild” TV series in Wyoming. Conrad has presented his “Unstoppable You!” programs at schools throughout the country.

The event was sponsored by Endeavor Communications and First National Bank in Cloverdale, as well as other individual contributions.

Conrad spoke to students in seventh through 12th grade on Wednesday during a three-hour presentation focused on the “master key” to unlock their potential and build character. Conrad also spoke to a loud assembly of students in kindergarten through sixth grade Thursday morning, and worked with CCSC staff Friday afternoon.

During a community event Thursday evening that effectively packed the gymnasium bleachers at Cloverdale High School, Conrad presented stories that emphasized the importance of the community sticking together and showing respect toward one another.

One story encouraged students and parents to find the “pony” in every situation, and to demonstrate optimism instead of being pessimistic. Conrad also stressed the importance of having a positive attitude to inspire others, including himself.

Another story told how a former student of Conrad’s went on to compete in, and win, a wrestling state championship, despite having a broken arm. The story spoke to determination to see goals through, and to understand that, “when things get dark, that’s when the stars come out.”

While his presentation was focused on optimism and having good character, Conrad also related the importance of respecting our military veterans. In one moment that got audience members on their feet, Conrad called all military veterans down to the floor to thank them for their service.

Wearing a shirt with the American flag characterized on it, Conrad dismissed the idea of political correctness. He said that everyone should be proud of our country and its military, as well as respect the flag.

He told about the story of Chance Phelps, a private in the Marine Corps who was killed in Iraq in 2004, to illustrate his point about appreciating the sacrifices. Phelps’ service, death and burial in DuBois, Colo., are depicted in the 2009 film “Taking Chance” starring Kevin Bacon.

Conrad brought his patriotic message down to the idea that everyone in the community must come together, visualizing the strength of many when a volunteer could not break a bundle of sticks that were tied together.

Before the event ended, Conrad recapped by following through his lessons, affirming his belief that the Cloverdale community already had the potential to be better. He also re-emphasized the power of the individual to change.

“You all have the power within you,” he said during the presentation. “As one of my students once said, ‘Don’t be afraid to become something great.’”

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  • I have seen a lot of motivational speakers in my life, but this guy touched my heart in ways that I could not have imagined. Mr. Conrad is truly amazing. I would encourage every school in this nation to invite him to speak.

    -- Posted by jdtroutt71 on Sat, Sep 1, 2018, at 9:18 AM
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