Manny Scott will visit the Maine Endwell Central School District and the Windsor Central School District to kick off the new school year with his inspiring story of positivity and resilience.
Millions of Americans first learned about Scott’s rise from a gang and drug-infested neighborhood of Long Beach through the hit MTV movie Freedom Writers starring Hillary Swank. Where Scott is represented, in part, through the character of “Marcus,” along with other students. Since the film’s release, Scott’s authentic and inspiring message of hope has galvanized almost one million educators, business leaders and community volunteers worldwide.
“Life at its best is about helping others make the most of their lives,” Scott says. “My life was changed because others took time to let me know they care, and I believe it is my duty to love and serve others in the same way, helping turn the page in their lives from despair to hope and from mediocrity to excellence.”
Scott will speak to teachers from Windsor and Maine Endwell on September 6. He will also be speaking to middle school and high school students from both districts on September 7. (See attached schedule for more details)
“Manny Scott’s story has inspired thousands of people across the world,” said Superintendent of Windsor Schools, Dr. Jason A. Andrews. “His message of motivation has reduced bullying and raised student achievement in over 150 school districts. We chose to bring Mr. Scott to our district this fall to speak to our students and teachers in hopes that his positive message will set the tone for the new school year.”
Scott will be presenting his popular “Turn the Page” Assembly to students in both districts. The Turn the Page assembly is a life-changing 90 minute experience for students in which Scott inspires them to turn the page and to begin writing new, more fulfilling chapters in their lives-academically and relationally while becoming “Page Turners” – agents of change who reduce bullying and raise standards.
The educators will have the privilege of hearing Scott’s story, “The Power of One”. During this assembly Scott will share his story and demonstrate how, through hard work and with the help of others, he went from being “unreachable” and “unteachable” to becoming a successful student.
Manny Scott’s story was over. He says, “When I was fourteen, I dropped out of high school. I was sitting on a park bench. Helpless, hurting and hopeless, I was thinking about doing something that would have gotten me incarcerated or killed. The ending of my story seemed certain. But a total stranger sat down next to me, and inspired me to take a path in life down which very few people travel. From that moment, I began writing a new chapter in my life. And that has made all the difference.” His previous school performance landed Manny at the back of Erin Gruwell’s English class – a group now known worldwide as the original Freedom Writers and portrayed in the movie starring Hillary Swank. The former dropout now holds degrees from the University of California at Berkeley and Trinity International University. He is working on his doctorate in Chicago. His appearances have energized members of the Department of Education, the National Education Association and hundreds of organizations and schools worldwide. He has appeared on Nightlight and The View. Scott’s story captivates students, educators and business leaders alike, leaving in his wake a sea of individuals ready to turn the page and write a new chapter themselves. Learn more at mannyscott.com.