Up with Life Teaches, Inspires at Middle School

Up with Life Day at Windsor Middle School featured numerous activities, all with universal messages. Those ideas include being yourself, not judging others and never losing sight of your self-worth.

"It's my favorite day of the year. It might be the most important thing we do," said Middle School Principal Kevin Strahley. 

The day began with the keynote speech by Alvin Law, a motivational speaker who was born without arms but became an award-winning musician. He inspires people by preaching how the power of attitude can help people reach their goals.

Students then took part it workshops on fitness, financial planning, team building and over a dozen other life skills. 

"I liked the people teaching us how to get more involved, be healthier, more active and have a better life," said 7th grader Tanis Macnamee.

"The things they talked about was relevant to students," said 8th grader Caleb Kulon. His favorite activity was the improv workshop.

The day ended with a performance by magician James Warren. He used magic to teach lessons of avoiding peer pressure and making good decisions. 

"All through life, especially in middle school, we all compare ourselves to each other. It's easy to feel less than," Warren told students. "When you feel small is when you are most vulnerable to being influenced. But you're not less than. Nobody is small. It's all an illusion."

This was the 11th annual Day of Life event at the Middle School. Teacher Wendy Balachick organizes the day. She is already working on next year's event.

"I want the students to find something, a passion, they want to do enough to make good choices," said Balachick.