October 27, 2016
Berkley Middle School: Positively impacted by the power of honesty and Richful Thinking!
Berkley Middle School Students and staff were to fortunate today to have Rich Barnes, motivational speaker, on hand to share his powerful message about his life’s journey with addiction. Mr. Barnes spoke openly and candidly with our students about each choice he made that led to his losing 28 years of his life at the hands of alcohol and drugs…and his road to recovery. His heartfelt and oftentimes tragic story started at the age of 7 and continues today with is message of hope. He referred to our students as “miracles” and highlighted for them, throughout his talk, the power they possess in their hands to be anything…do anything…and achieve anything, as long as they become beleivers in themselves. He takes them on a realistic journey from his childhood, through his adolescence, into early adulthood to his last day as an active addict and shares with them his road back through hard work, connection, faith and perseverance. He emphasizes the need to be brave; to talk to people; to ask for help…whenever and wherever you can. He empowers young people to take control of their destiny and make the right choices today for a better tomorrow. Students were hanging on his every word and asked though-provoking, real-life questions. One student was so moved she found the strength to share her own family’s struggle with addiction and pleaded with her peers to appreciate the choices they have in front of them and embrace every good day. Berkley Middle School Students and staff will forever be impacted by the courage and message of Rich Barnes.
Kimberly D. Hebert
Principal – Berkley Middle School