"Scott really held those young people’s attention all day - they got the message loud and clear. And I’m so glad he emphasized that there is nothing wrong with us – that it’s our interpretation of life that paints how we see our life and our future.
Scott made us realize the fallacy of our story of being worthless, unwanted, stupid, dumb, weak, spoiled, unworthy, or a loser. He gave us the power to whitewash the tainted picture away.
The most powerful part of the program was about taking small, manageable steps that mean we can be successful. Scott gave these young people the chance and the ability to create a future that is vibrant and clear, free from guilt and full of hope.
I’ve since been promoted to another school and, with luck, I will be able to bring Scott in for my new students in the coming year!"
Opal Charters, District Principal, First Nation Education, Merritt, British Columbia
Scott made us realize the fallacy of our story of being worthless, unwanted, stupid, dumb, weak, spoiled, unworthy, or a loser. He gave us the power to whitewash the tainted picture away.
The most powerful part of the program was about taking small, manageable steps that mean we can be successful. Scott gave these young people the chance and the ability to create a future that is vibrant and clear, free from guilt and full of hope.
I’ve since been promoted to another school and, with luck, I will be able to bring Scott in for my new students in the coming year!"
Opal Charters, District Principal, First Nation Education, Merritt, British Columbia
"After Scott’s Keynote Assembly, we had 30 students begin the program and each and every one of them took something away from it even if they did not complete the sessions. This is an amazing feat in a low socio-economical First Nations community where suicide issues run rampant.
Our students spoke about the value of learning how to set realistic goals, the power of drinking water and that they had more control over themselves. Along with more personal accomplishments, our student also learned:
This program made a difference in the lives of everyone involved, no matter their addiction.
For example, for the first time, at least two students began to come to school with a water bottle with them every day. This could be seen as small change, but for someone that consumed only pop this was significant. Two other students began to incorporate goal setting into their daily lives and vocabulary.
One very noticeable change was with a young man who had a serious problem with authority figures. He actually attended every follow-up meeting we had. He also developed a good personable relationship with me as a fellow group member, and as an equal, that had a positive effect on our classroom relationship.
He picked up his grade and passed my class with a decent mark. When I asked him afterward about the change, he said that he learned that the authority figures will always be there and it’s his choice as to how to deal with them. He has the power to change, he has the power to agree or disagree with their requests. HE has the power, not them. This was a huge step forward for him.
There were also measurable changes in all three of my partners. One partner apologized to an old friend living in the next town over and now spends time with that person again having fun and being a teen. My partner is also still exceeding his goal of learning rudimentary drumming patterns every day and is on his way to being a fantastic drummer.
My second partner wanted to sing more because it made her happy and so purchased a karaoke machine and sings every day and feels great. This partner was shy and withdrawn and stopped participating in the group the next day but she still sought out her happiness and worked the program independently.
My third partner is the largest change. He wanted to quit the addiction of putting everyone else around him before himself (he offered this information to me). He is 16 with a one year-old child and has rekindled his relationship with his child's mother in a healthy, respectful way putting his needs before those of his other friends. This relationship had been clearly recognized as being toxic and one-sided. He has changed that and seems very happy now.
The program does not only influence the lives of these resilient young teenagers now, but it also affects their futures. I believe that every child that participates in the program all the way to the end is affected and profoundly changed in some way."
Jody Tetreau, Hazelton Secondary, New Hazelton, British Columbia (90% First Nations School)
Our students spoke about the value of learning how to set realistic goals, the power of drinking water and that they had more control over themselves. Along with more personal accomplishments, our student also learned:
- How to meet new people and interact with them appropriately
- How to make commitments to each other
- That the power of our words and commitment are important
- There are consequences for behavior (even in the assembly Scott held them accountable if they talked, without putting them down)
- This isn’t about them personally, it’s about their behavior
- About drugs and drug use
- How the power of your own life choices can change you, and you can change
This program made a difference in the lives of everyone involved, no matter their addiction.
For example, for the first time, at least two students began to come to school with a water bottle with them every day. This could be seen as small change, but for someone that consumed only pop this was significant. Two other students began to incorporate goal setting into their daily lives and vocabulary.
One very noticeable change was with a young man who had a serious problem with authority figures. He actually attended every follow-up meeting we had. He also developed a good personable relationship with me as a fellow group member, and as an equal, that had a positive effect on our classroom relationship.
He picked up his grade and passed my class with a decent mark. When I asked him afterward about the change, he said that he learned that the authority figures will always be there and it’s his choice as to how to deal with them. He has the power to change, he has the power to agree or disagree with their requests. HE has the power, not them. This was a huge step forward for him.
There were also measurable changes in all three of my partners. One partner apologized to an old friend living in the next town over and now spends time with that person again having fun and being a teen. My partner is also still exceeding his goal of learning rudimentary drumming patterns every day and is on his way to being a fantastic drummer.
My second partner wanted to sing more because it made her happy and so purchased a karaoke machine and sings every day and feels great. This partner was shy and withdrawn and stopped participating in the group the next day but she still sought out her happiness and worked the program independently.
My third partner is the largest change. He wanted to quit the addiction of putting everyone else around him before himself (he offered this information to me). He is 16 with a one year-old child and has rekindled his relationship with his child's mother in a healthy, respectful way putting his needs before those of his other friends. This relationship had been clearly recognized as being toxic and one-sided. He has changed that and seems very happy now.
The program does not only influence the lives of these resilient young teenagers now, but it also affects their futures. I believe that every child that participates in the program all the way to the end is affected and profoundly changed in some way."
Jody Tetreau, Hazelton Secondary, New Hazelton, British Columbia (90% First Nations School)
"The Power of Choice is a highly customizable program that has great promise in guiding and helping First Nations students. Each student has individual needs and capabilities and this program works not only with the student, but for them, ensuring step-by-step success and step-by-step support. Students need to be able to work at a pace that they can manage, at the same time feel a sense of confidence and accomplishment; the Power of Choice allows students to reach their potential.
The program shows students how small changes in behaviours, attitudes and thought processes can lead to a significant impact in ones future. By learning the importance of setting realistic goals for themselves, students are able to appreciate the new heights that they are able to reach, instilling the notion that within them that everything is possible. A teacher’s goal for a student is to educate in order to empower, but the Power of Choice gives a great gift to students, the ability to empower themselves.
The program has had a great effect on the students by making them accountable for themselves and their own success.
In my school, students that had difficulty completing assignments were grouped together in addition to several higher performing students in an effort to encourage one another and to elicit a positive behavioural change. The students started the program with no consistency in their homework completion and with below average exam scores. In order to make develop a system that was effective, it was necessary to utilize the tools that the students had at their disposal, and the tools that students used often; home phone and cell phone numbers, email addresses and social network names were exchanged and became the primary source of after school student contact. Students were given an outline to follow regarding the proper usage of this system, and for the next month on the program, that is exactly what had happened. Students contacted each other after school to check up on each others progress on homework, communicated any problems with difficulty they were experiencing and even gave each other assistance with homework and studying.
With the higher performing students participating, students were shown consistency that they were unfamiliar with prior to starting. Establishing a positive learning environment outside of the classroom is vital to student success, and by the time the students had finished the program, in class productivity had increased as well as student confidence. Students began to enjoy learning on their own and began to participate regularly in class, displaying their new-found knowledge and accompanying self-esteem. The constant communication outside of class had also created a friendlier environment inside of class. My classroom in particular, students' performance greatly improved and this was shown in their homework assignments, and on their term report cards.
Since finishing the program, students have retained the excitement to learn and are consistently performing well beyond their previous baselines. The Power of Choice taught students how to 'keep their promises' and deal with unwanted habits by developing healthy habits."
From Preet Dhaliwal, Teacher Nipisihkopakh Secondary School, Hobbema, Alberta
The program shows students how small changes in behaviours, attitudes and thought processes can lead to a significant impact in ones future. By learning the importance of setting realistic goals for themselves, students are able to appreciate the new heights that they are able to reach, instilling the notion that within them that everything is possible. A teacher’s goal for a student is to educate in order to empower, but the Power of Choice gives a great gift to students, the ability to empower themselves.
The program has had a great effect on the students by making them accountable for themselves and their own success.
In my school, students that had difficulty completing assignments were grouped together in addition to several higher performing students in an effort to encourage one another and to elicit a positive behavioural change. The students started the program with no consistency in their homework completion and with below average exam scores. In order to make develop a system that was effective, it was necessary to utilize the tools that the students had at their disposal, and the tools that students used often; home phone and cell phone numbers, email addresses and social network names were exchanged and became the primary source of after school student contact. Students were given an outline to follow regarding the proper usage of this system, and for the next month on the program, that is exactly what had happened. Students contacted each other after school to check up on each others progress on homework, communicated any problems with difficulty they were experiencing and even gave each other assistance with homework and studying.
With the higher performing students participating, students were shown consistency that they were unfamiliar with prior to starting. Establishing a positive learning environment outside of the classroom is vital to student success, and by the time the students had finished the program, in class productivity had increased as well as student confidence. Students began to enjoy learning on their own and began to participate regularly in class, displaying their new-found knowledge and accompanying self-esteem. The constant communication outside of class had also created a friendlier environment inside of class. My classroom in particular, students' performance greatly improved and this was shown in their homework assignments, and on their term report cards.
Since finishing the program, students have retained the excitement to learn and are consistently performing well beyond their previous baselines. The Power of Choice taught students how to 'keep their promises' and deal with unwanted habits by developing healthy habits."
From Preet Dhaliwal, Teacher Nipisihkopakh Secondary School, Hobbema, Alberta
"Our work at my high school is often crisis based responses so it was a welcome change to have a program that addresses so many issues for so many students all at once.
Scott gave a very powerful and real keynote presentation to our kids. Students that I didn’t think would choose to participate in the follow-up program and whom I knew could use the support actually did!
What impressed me most was how responsive/helpful kids were to each other. The peer support was very powerful and the accountability was very useful in making these students successful. I really appreciated the concept of setting students up for small successes as opposed to trying to make large leaps and experiencing failure.
I think I can speak for our school in saying that we learned a great deal from Scott Gallagher in regards to supporting kids with difficult issues in a very positive and proactive way. We created a survey for our students to gauge how helpful the presentation was and many responded that it related to their lives and that the information was useful.
Thanks to Scott for his dynamic presentation and for providing simple training to allow us to carry the program forward. I would recommend this program to other schools looking to support students in a success driven, peer based way."
Nicole Giroux, School Counselor, Martensville High School, Martensville, Saskatchewan
Scott gave a very powerful and real keynote presentation to our kids. Students that I didn’t think would choose to participate in the follow-up program and whom I knew could use the support actually did!
What impressed me most was how responsive/helpful kids were to each other. The peer support was very powerful and the accountability was very useful in making these students successful. I really appreciated the concept of setting students up for small successes as opposed to trying to make large leaps and experiencing failure.
I think I can speak for our school in saying that we learned a great deal from Scott Gallagher in regards to supporting kids with difficult issues in a very positive and proactive way. We created a survey for our students to gauge how helpful the presentation was and many responded that it related to their lives and that the information was useful.
Thanks to Scott for his dynamic presentation and for providing simple training to allow us to carry the program forward. I would recommend this program to other schools looking to support students in a success driven, peer based way."
Nicole Giroux, School Counselor, Martensville High School, Martensville, Saskatchewan
"After finishing the program, we surveyed the participants and found we had some powerful and measurable results:
As part of the evaluations, participants shared key words to describe their thoughts and feeling about the program. Included were: inspiring, life-changing, positive, happy, relieved, positive selfishness, enlightening, relief from negativity, helping to control your habits. Participants also commented that it was nice to be part of a group where there were several people essentially working toward the same goal of reducing or eliminating a bad habit."
Renee Lacoursiere-Boltz, Social Worker, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board, North Bay, Ontario
- 100% reported developing a healthy habit during the course of the program
- 100% reported drinking more water
- 67% reported an increase in physical exercise
- 56% reported working towards completing tasks (doing at least one thing that is a step toward something they had been putting off)
- 100% reported being successful in reducing a bad habit as a result of participating in the program
- 86% indicated that they would participate in the program again/recommend the program to a friend
- 86% expressed interest in helping with the organization/promotion of the program in the future; 2 students volunteered to share their personal stories/become program mentors
As part of the evaluations, participants shared key words to describe their thoughts and feeling about the program. Included were: inspiring, life-changing, positive, happy, relieved, positive selfishness, enlightening, relief from negativity, helping to control your habits. Participants also commented that it was nice to be part of a group where there were several people essentially working toward the same goal of reducing or eliminating a bad habit."
Renee Lacoursiere-Boltz, Social Worker, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board, North Bay, Ontario
"A lot of times speakers will come in and talk about why 'you shouldn't do drugs.' But that's just not good enough. Kids are used to us telling them that. What affects them is hearing your story and hearing the impact it had on your life and the lives of people around you. Telling a kid 'don't do this' and “don't do that" simply doesn't work. Throughout your talk I was saying to myself 'Yes, Yes!' because you were telling them what they needed to hear."
Darell Hall, Principal, St. Thomas Moore Collegiate, Burnaby, British Columbia
Darell Hall, Principal, St. Thomas Moore Collegiate, Burnaby, British Columbia
"Our school was looking for someone to come and speak to our students in a way that was personal and would help them with alcohol and drug addiction. We checked out the video on Scott’s website and knew immediately that he fit the bill perfectly.
At the assemblies, Scott had everyone’s attention. He handled those who were being obnoxious and got their attention respectfully. Even the teachers talked for months about how good the session was – because it was real.
There are so many programs that schools must present that are simply too superficial. They only manage to touch the surface. A speaker might get you excited about the topic on the day, but then they’re gone and the message just fades.
Scott’s program is different.
I was surprised at both the number and the type of students who chose to attend the follow-up program. There were some I would never have guessed needed to be there. And there were a couple of kids who attended that we all knew had issues and they made it all the way through. That was wonderful to see.
The buddy system connected me with people I wouldn’t otherwise have known. Two in my group are now friends with each other, and I have a bond with them I never would have developed outside the program.
The best aspect of the whole program was that students learned how to apologize and to thank others. To be able to say they were sorry without any expectation of getting anything in return was huge for these kids.
They learned it was okay to make a mistake, to be aware of it, apologize and let it go. I was amazed at how proud they were of themselves when they were able to say thanks and sorry.
Some were even surprised to find that, when they apologized, that the other party was sorry too. That brought them closure on a lot of issues and even mended a couple of friendships.
Everyone who went through the 28 days had success with breaking their bad habit. One girl didn’t eliminate her bad habit completely because her goal was to reduce it. So she was successful too!"
Karen Gardner, Business Teacher, Applewood Heights Secondary School, Toronto, Ontario
At the assemblies, Scott had everyone’s attention. He handled those who were being obnoxious and got their attention respectfully. Even the teachers talked for months about how good the session was – because it was real.
There are so many programs that schools must present that are simply too superficial. They only manage to touch the surface. A speaker might get you excited about the topic on the day, but then they’re gone and the message just fades.
Scott’s program is different.
I was surprised at both the number and the type of students who chose to attend the follow-up program. There were some I would never have guessed needed to be there. And there were a couple of kids who attended that we all knew had issues and they made it all the way through. That was wonderful to see.
The buddy system connected me with people I wouldn’t otherwise have known. Two in my group are now friends with each other, and I have a bond with them I never would have developed outside the program.
The best aspect of the whole program was that students learned how to apologize and to thank others. To be able to say they were sorry without any expectation of getting anything in return was huge for these kids.
They learned it was okay to make a mistake, to be aware of it, apologize and let it go. I was amazed at how proud they were of themselves when they were able to say thanks and sorry.
Some were even surprised to find that, when they apologized, that the other party was sorry too. That brought them closure on a lot of issues and even mended a couple of friendships.
Everyone who went through the 28 days had success with breaking their bad habit. One girl didn’t eliminate her bad habit completely because her goal was to reduce it. So she was successful too!"
Karen Gardner, Business Teacher, Applewood Heights Secondary School, Toronto, Ontario
"When you see students with physical problems come in, a lot of times it’s a manifestation of what’s happening internally. These programs gets to the root as opposed to just dealing with all the symptoms.
It’s one thing to do brief intervention counseling one-on-one, but it’s another thing to have Scott come in and set up a system of accountability so kids know exactly what to do.
Here are some of the results;
One student who had stolen a pair of shoes from the local mall went back to the mall and returned the shoes.
Another student confessed to his Uncle that he had been stealing his liquor for many months. The Uncle stated he was proud of his nephew for confessing this and ended up attending an AA meeting with him as a result.
There were many students that told their parents they were repeatedly lying to them about substance use.
Five students returned at the end of the Healthy Habits group to focus on quitting smoking.
Students became more honest with themselves and others.
Scott’s program was the highlight of the school year for me! Thank you again for this very worthwhile program!!!"
Sue Grantis, Public Health School Nurse, Dennis Morris Catholic School, Niagara Region, Ontario
It’s one thing to do brief intervention counseling one-on-one, but it’s another thing to have Scott come in and set up a system of accountability so kids know exactly what to do.
Here are some of the results;
One student who had stolen a pair of shoes from the local mall went back to the mall and returned the shoes.
Another student confessed to his Uncle that he had been stealing his liquor for many months. The Uncle stated he was proud of his nephew for confessing this and ended up attending an AA meeting with him as a result.
There were many students that told their parents they were repeatedly lying to them about substance use.
Five students returned at the end of the Healthy Habits group to focus on quitting smoking.
Students became more honest with themselves and others.
Scott’s program was the highlight of the school year for me! Thank you again for this very worthwhile program!!!"
Sue Grantis, Public Health School Nurse, Dennis Morris Catholic School, Niagara Region, Ontario
"Scott’s program gave me a teaching strategy that I can use for the rest of my career. Now I know how to handle a child with an addiction. For me, that’s huge. Sometimes you go to those teaching conferences and you come out with nothing. This program gave me something real that I can implement. That’s what I appreciated most.
Students who took the program seriously became better and more responsible people as a result of some of the strategies used. As one of the adults in the program, I can vouch for the fact that it wasn’t just the kids who changed - we learned a lot as well"
Larry Lippa, Counselor, C.R. Marchant, Toronto, Ontario
Students who took the program seriously became better and more responsible people as a result of some of the strategies used. As one of the adults in the program, I can vouch for the fact that it wasn’t just the kids who changed - we learned a lot as well"
Larry Lippa, Counselor, C.R. Marchant, Toronto, Ontario
"We have lunch together every Monday. Other than the girl from grade 7, all of the kids come and we have some pretty good conversations. Two of them say they haven't had any drugs since our first meeting even though they've had plenty of opportunity. The smoker has cut down by about 8 cigarettes. All of them confessed to their parents. Some pretty good connections have been made... thanks to you."
Angie Stinkowji, Guidance Counselor, Englehart Secondary School, Northern Ontario
Angie Stinkowji, Guidance Counselor, Englehart Secondary School, Northern Ontario
"Our work at my high school is often crisis based responses so it was a welcome change to have a program that addresses so many issues for so many students all at once.
Scott gave a very powerful and real keynote presentation to our kids. Students that I didn’t think would choose to participate in the follow-up program and whom I knew could use the support actually did!
What impressed me most was how responsive/helpful kids were to each other. The peer support was very powerful and the accountability was very useful in making these students successful. I really appreciated the concept of setting students up for small successes as opposed to trying to make large leaps and experiencing failure.
I think I can speak for our school in saying that we learned a great deal from Scott Gallagher in regards to supporting kids with difficult issues in a very positive and proactive way. We created a survey for our students to gauge how helpful the presentation was and many responded that it related to their lives and that the information was useful.
Thanks to Scott for his dynamic presentation and for providing simple training to allow us to carry the program forward. I would recommend this program to other schools looking to support students in a success driven, peer based way."
Nicole Giroux, School Counselor, Martensville High School, Martensville, Saskatchewan
Scott gave a very powerful and real keynote presentation to our kids. Students that I didn’t think would choose to participate in the follow-up program and whom I knew could use the support actually did!
What impressed me most was how responsive/helpful kids were to each other. The peer support was very powerful and the accountability was very useful in making these students successful. I really appreciated the concept of setting students up for small successes as opposed to trying to make large leaps and experiencing failure.
I think I can speak for our school in saying that we learned a great deal from Scott Gallagher in regards to supporting kids with difficult issues in a very positive and proactive way. We created a survey for our students to gauge how helpful the presentation was and many responded that it related to their lives and that the information was useful.
Thanks to Scott for his dynamic presentation and for providing simple training to allow us to carry the program forward. I would recommend this program to other schools looking to support students in a success driven, peer based way."
Nicole Giroux, School Counselor, Martensville High School, Martensville, Saskatchewan
"We were very pleased as a school community to have Scott Gallagher present to our students. Scott gave a powerful all-school assembly, followed by a workshop which students self-selected to attend. I was very impressed with the group of students that ended up participating in the workshop. I had worked with many of them before individually but not in a peer support, positive-choice focused forum.
What I love about Scott’s program is his focus on healthy habits and acknowledging the positive. Students are encouraged to honor their word and be people of integrity. These are very powerful challenges for students and it has been amazing this year to see peers supporting each other toward these positive goals.
So much of what I’ve read or seen in the area of addiction is theory based. This program is totally different. Scott challenges students to examine their own choices, and provides a simple structure for the “support people” in the school to work with the kids. The program is clear, easy to deliver and sets students up for small successes along the journey. Support providers don’t end up feeling stuck in theory or unsure of where to go with the students.
Our school community definitely benefitted from Scott’s dynamic presentation and health habit focused workshop. Follow up surveys with students and staff demonstrated Scott had a positive impact on students and their sense of “choice” in their own lives. For this, we are very grateful and wish Scott all the best in his future endeavors."
Heather Wegren, School Counsellor, Warman High School, Saskatchewan
What I love about Scott’s program is his focus on healthy habits and acknowledging the positive. Students are encouraged to honor their word and be people of integrity. These are very powerful challenges for students and it has been amazing this year to see peers supporting each other toward these positive goals.
So much of what I’ve read or seen in the area of addiction is theory based. This program is totally different. Scott challenges students to examine their own choices, and provides a simple structure for the “support people” in the school to work with the kids. The program is clear, easy to deliver and sets students up for small successes along the journey. Support providers don’t end up feeling stuck in theory or unsure of where to go with the students.
Our school community definitely benefitted from Scott’s dynamic presentation and health habit focused workshop. Follow up surveys with students and staff demonstrated Scott had a positive impact on students and their sense of “choice” in their own lives. For this, we are very grateful and wish Scott all the best in his future endeavors."
Heather Wegren, School Counsellor, Warman High School, Saskatchewan
"Each student responded to a different aspect of what Scott was saying depending on what resonated with their own lives. Everyone was able to absorb their own individual message and many found it tremendously moving...
Not only did the follow-up program allow me to develop new and meaningful relationships with the students that were my buddies, it engendered a real sense of community in the school as a whole. We will definitely bring it in again, and hope to involve some parents next time so that sense of community can expand beyond our doors and benefit others as well."
Matt Haddrell, Classroom Teacher, Charlie Lake Elementary School, British Columbia
Not only did the follow-up program allow me to develop new and meaningful relationships with the students that were my buddies, it engendered a real sense of community in the school as a whole. We will definitely bring it in again, and hope to involve some parents next time so that sense of community can expand beyond our doors and benefit others as well."
Matt Haddrell, Classroom Teacher, Charlie Lake Elementary School, British Columbia
"Two weeks into the program, we ended up with a good kind of a problem. Kids couldn’t count their habit because they weren’t doing it anymore! These kids had tried to quit before, and after only two weeks, one wasn’t using, one wasn’t drinking anything at all so they had nothing to record.
We have kids thanking their mom for dinner or for doing the laundry for the first time ever. Most of these kids are not used to thanking anyone. They just take for granted that everything will be done for them. They’re learning something here that will serve them well their whole lives.
Sometimes I’m really frustrated with whatever is going on in my life and one of my student buddies from the program will call me and ask me what I’m happy about right now? And I really have to change my whole way of thinking, even when I’m in the middle of something really negative. It’s been a real learning experience for me."
Joanne Carter, Transition Place, Meadowlake Saskatchewan, (At-Risk School)
We have kids thanking their mom for dinner or for doing the laundry for the first time ever. Most of these kids are not used to thanking anyone. They just take for granted that everything will be done for them. They’re learning something here that will serve them well their whole lives.
Sometimes I’m really frustrated with whatever is going on in my life and one of my student buddies from the program will call me and ask me what I’m happy about right now? And I really have to change my whole way of thinking, even when I’m in the middle of something really negative. It’s been a real learning experience for me."
Joanne Carter, Transition Place, Meadowlake Saskatchewan, (At-Risk School)
"We enjoyed many successes and would like to run a program like this once a semester. We all achieved goals of cutting back or eliminating a bad habit, committing, promising, honouring our word, exercising, making amends and letting go. Thanks for a great opportunity!"
Monica Paul, Curriculum Leader, Student Services, Alternative High School, Calgary, AB
Monica Paul, Curriculum Leader, Student Services, Alternative High School, Calgary, AB
"Wow! The last 4 weeks have been amazing for all of us on so many levels. We’re all feeling great about our accomplishments, honouring our word and are comfortable about being honest when we didn’t. My relationship with life and others has changed dramatically. I’m accomplishing more in a day than I have in the past. I’m paying close attention to my words and thoughts, apologizing more often and learning to see what’s right in all situations. I’ve learned so much and I’m very thankful to you and your company for spreading this message/program"
Tracey Rutherford, Hudson’s Hope School, Hudson’s Hope, British Columbia
Tracey Rutherford, Hudson’s Hope School, Hudson’s Hope, British Columbia
"I know many students were touched by your story and have taken something from it. I will be running a leadership group in the fall that will be mentored by older students and many of the techniques and skills you taught will be incorporated into their training."
Dorothy Meier, Chestermere High School, Rockyview, Alberta
Dorothy Meier, Chestermere High School, Rockyview, Alberta
"We’re doing great with our groups. We’re small but we’re maintaining the same numbers. One group has a big chart up that shows what day they’re on in the 4 Week Program. It looked great!"
Rosalind A. Smith, Elementary Counsellor, Student Support Services, Peace River
Rosalind A. Smith, Elementary Counsellor, Student Support Services, Peace River
"The real highlight of the program for me was the sense of community that developed. Students who are less comfortable socially began working with other students they wouldn't normally encounter. I think some of them experienced a real sense of community for the very first time. That level of personal growth will benefit them into the next school year and for years to come."
Doris Wyatt, Teacher, Broadview High School, Broadview, Saskatchewan
Doris Wyatt, Teacher, Broadview High School, Broadview, Saskatchewan
"You saved lives today! After 21 years as an educator, I've seen kids die because of addiction. When we see it happen, we ask ourselves what we could have done to prevent it. Now we have an answer. We have you now"
Rick Christie, Vice Principal, Fenelon Falls Secondary School
Rick Christie, Vice Principal, Fenelon Falls Secondary School
"You could have heard a pin drop when Scott talked about his personal experiences. But it wasn't just about telling his story. He gave students real ideas on how to prevent falling into addiction. Things to look for and how to help others. How to identify addictive things. And it wasn't just about one particular drug or addiction. He also talked about bullying, low self-esteem, things that trigger some of these addictions what [kids] can do to try and improve their lives, and to get better. We TOTALLY got our money's worth"
Eric Dallin, Vice Principal, Humberside Collegiate, Toronto, Ontario
Eric Dallin, Vice Principal, Humberside Collegiate, Toronto, Ontario
"This workshop was absolutely phenomenal! After speaking to many of the kids that attended your workshop, the common feedback was that they could not believe there were so many other kids that were in the same boat as them. They now know that they are not alone. For these particular kids, to be part of a group when you are gone, is pretty special for them. It's nice to have presentations but it is even nicer to have presentations like yours that stick with our school"
Katherine Adams, Student Success Teacher, Glengarry District High School, Alexandria, Ontario
Katherine Adams, Student Success Teacher, Glengarry District High School, Alexandria, Ontario
"Hi Scott,
I'm not sure if you remember me, but I was one of the students that took part in your workshop after your presentation at Englehart High School. I just wanted to let you know that you were my inspiration in making the decisions that I did to help me get back on track. You helped me a lot. Thanks a lot for everything once again.
Maureen"
Maureen, Student, Englehart High School, Englehart, Ontario
I'm not sure if you remember me, but I was one of the students that took part in your workshop after your presentation at Englehart High School. I just wanted to let you know that you were my inspiration in making the decisions that I did to help me get back on track. You helped me a lot. Thanks a lot for everything once again.
Maureen"
Maureen, Student, Englehart High School, Englehart, Ontario
"The kids seem to be doing very well! They are coming to talk to me individually... Not only are they keeping up with their water and physical activity, they are also cutting down on their addictions quite substantially!!! I see it working!! Which I am grateful to you for!!!"
Ashley Rachul, 1st Year Teacher, Coronach School, Coronach, Saskatchewan
Ashley Rachul, 1st Year Teacher, Coronach School, Coronach, Saskatchewan
"As for the new group that was formed...what is nice is that we now see (in such a short period of time), students talking to other students - ones that they would never have talked to as a result of the group. New friendships have been formed...and students that really needed someone to talk to...have come out and are talking. It's great"
Diane Potoczny, Teacher, John Cabot Secondary School, Mississauga, Ontario
Diane Potoczny, Teacher, John Cabot Secondary School, Mississauga, Ontario
"Hey Scott,
I wanted to thank you so much for coming to our school community and taking the time to reach out to all of us individually. As soon as I got home, I went to apologize to my mom, but what I wasn't expecting was to end up crying like that. However once I said my apology to her, i felt refreshed and satisfied with myself. So far, I've done everything I was supposed to do; drink my water, do my sit-ups
+ Bonus! I even cleaned the cat litter without her having to ask me twice or create an argument out of it.
I'm really grateful and appreciative that you visited us today, and I'm even more glad that i didn't stay home because of the snow!! Because I really think this group is going to help me out, and I'm really excited to see the outcome of everything and everyone who is in it.
Thanks again for today,
Michelle"
Michelle, Student, St. Martin Secondary School, Mississauga, Ontario
I wanted to thank you so much for coming to our school community and taking the time to reach out to all of us individually. As soon as I got home, I went to apologize to my mom, but what I wasn't expecting was to end up crying like that. However once I said my apology to her, i felt refreshed and satisfied with myself. So far, I've done everything I was supposed to do; drink my water, do my sit-ups
+ Bonus! I even cleaned the cat litter without her having to ask me twice or create an argument out of it.
I'm really grateful and appreciative that you visited us today, and I'm even more glad that i didn't stay home because of the snow!! Because I really think this group is going to help me out, and I'm really excited to see the outcome of everything and everyone who is in it.
Thanks again for today,
Michelle"
Michelle, Student, St. Martin Secondary School, Mississauga, Ontario
"You were so great!
Your raw honesty was just so refreshing. I don't want to say your talk was life changing because that would sound over the top; but the truth is, it was for me. In all my years, I have never encountered anyone who had the degree of addiction problems that you have had to struggle with. To hear you be so honest about your past was just so touching. And I loved what you shared about making amends. I think we all carry anxieties and baggage about things we could have done differently, and your section on making amends, I felt could become a tool - not only in my work in the anxiety clinic, but for me personally.
As a matter of fact, even though I don't have any addiction problems, I was so inspired by what happened to you that I decided to make an amends list for myself. I'm really quite enthusiastic about what you are doing. I would come and hear you again, anytime!"
Jane Marson, Social Worker, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to Program Facilitator Scott Gallagher
Your raw honesty was just so refreshing. I don't want to say your talk was life changing because that would sound over the top; but the truth is, it was for me. In all my years, I have never encountered anyone who had the degree of addiction problems that you have had to struggle with. To hear you be so honest about your past was just so touching. And I loved what you shared about making amends. I think we all carry anxieties and baggage about things we could have done differently, and your section on making amends, I felt could become a tool - not only in my work in the anxiety clinic, but for me personally.
As a matter of fact, even though I don't have any addiction problems, I was so inspired by what happened to you that I decided to make an amends list for myself. I'm really quite enthusiastic about what you are doing. I would come and hear you again, anytime!"
Jane Marson, Social Worker, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to Program Facilitator Scott Gallagher
" We brought Scott in at the very beginning of our school year. There were 12 students who chose to participate in the 4 Week Follow-up component of his programs. Addictions were mainly to marijuana, cigarettes and internet/video games.
After the 4 weeks were finished, the kids in the program wanted to continue it on their own. Within 90 days, every single one of these kids had tapered off to the point that none of them were doing drugs or smoking anymore. One student who was addicted to the internet and video games drastically reduced how much time he spends online.
Each and every student who joined the on-going group meetings had noticeable behaviour changes; for example, higher self esteem, regular attendance, more friends and a much clearer head upon returning to school Monday mornings.
The results we got were so remarkable we asked Scott to come back again later in the same school year!
We engaged different kids and we had a different adult partner involved, but the results were just as impressive.
We continue to appreciate Scott’s work and have used his articles to promote awareness and professional development with our staff."
Linda Henry, Principal, Kirkland Lake High School, Kirkland Lake, Ontario
After the 4 weeks were finished, the kids in the program wanted to continue it on their own. Within 90 days, every single one of these kids had tapered off to the point that none of them were doing drugs or smoking anymore. One student who was addicted to the internet and video games drastically reduced how much time he spends online.
Each and every student who joined the on-going group meetings had noticeable behaviour changes; for example, higher self esteem, regular attendance, more friends and a much clearer head upon returning to school Monday mornings.
The results we got were so remarkable we asked Scott to come back again later in the same school year!
We engaged different kids and we had a different adult partner involved, but the results were just as impressive.
We continue to appreciate Scott’s work and have used his articles to promote awareness and professional development with our staff."
Linda Henry, Principal, Kirkland Lake High School, Kirkland Lake, Ontario
" We owe you big! Your program changes lives. It was an honor to be a part of it. We've had a number of kids who either quit smoking or drastically reduced. And one boy gave up weed altogether - and now that the 28 days is up, he is now applying your program to cigarettes. ... A lot of the kids actually surprised me with the exercise component of your program. Many of them started to see the benefits of exercising and actually ended up increasing and doing more with exercise then they had originally promised.
... All the kids apologized for things they've done that they felt bad about. A few of them apologized to their parents for stealing money from them. And the kids felt freed from doing this.
...Some of the kids that took on the bonus commitment of doing daily school homework actually came to me for help with their homework which was amazing. They would come to me after school or during lunch and I would help them.
...You have a major gift of discernment, being able to attract only those kids that were really committed - and your ability to cause those that really weren't there for the right reasons to make the right choice and not stay with us for the day (if they were not going to follow through on the full 28 day program) - was incredible. And all those that stayed for the full 3.5 hour seminar/workshop, stuck with the whole 4 week follow-up program. If I had to weed them out myself, there is no way I could have had that discernment that you have. I would have probably encouraged some of the wrong kids to stay and be in the group and I would have had problems. It might not have worked.
...Scott, you demonstrated to us a lot of positive affirmation. Even when you were weeding people out of the group, you were affirming peoples’ value. It wasn't anything artificial. It was real and authentic. You really cared like these kids have value. The kids could sense – they could feel - that they were valued and mattered, that there was intrinsic value to them.
Your program is a process and a journey. It's not like everyone has all their problems solved, but all the kids that participated are better off than they were before you came."
Corey Copeland, Student Success Teacher, Kirkland Lake High School, Kirkland Lake, Ontario
... All the kids apologized for things they've done that they felt bad about. A few of them apologized to their parents for stealing money from them. And the kids felt freed from doing this.
...Some of the kids that took on the bonus commitment of doing daily school homework actually came to me for help with their homework which was amazing. They would come to me after school or during lunch and I would help them.
...You have a major gift of discernment, being able to attract only those kids that were really committed - and your ability to cause those that really weren't there for the right reasons to make the right choice and not stay with us for the day (if they were not going to follow through on the full 28 day program) - was incredible. And all those that stayed for the full 3.5 hour seminar/workshop, stuck with the whole 4 week follow-up program. If I had to weed them out myself, there is no way I could have had that discernment that you have. I would have probably encouraged some of the wrong kids to stay and be in the group and I would have had problems. It might not have worked.
...Scott, you demonstrated to us a lot of positive affirmation. Even when you were weeding people out of the group, you were affirming peoples’ value. It wasn't anything artificial. It was real and authentic. You really cared like these kids have value. The kids could sense – they could feel - that they were valued and mattered, that there was intrinsic value to them.
Your program is a process and a journey. It's not like everyone has all their problems solved, but all the kids that participated are better off than they were before you came."
Corey Copeland, Student Success Teacher, Kirkland Lake High School, Kirkland Lake, Ontario
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