I have been asked to write a letter of recommendation for Mr. Richard Barnes. I first met Mr. Barnes as a student at Randolph High School, where I taught mathematics for almost twenty years. Although I never had Richard as a student in any of my math classes, I knew who he was. What I was unaware of was Richard’s addiction problems and family problems, both of which became significant legal problems.
I left education more than eight years ago to pursue my legal career and had not seen nor heard anything about Richard until I attended a presentation given by him at East Bridgewater Junior/Senior High School.
Richard’s presentation was to seventh and eight graders and was his “story” of his addiction, pain, suffering, guilt, and now his deep desire to help prevent his story from being repeated by our young people. His story was moving, compelling, and deeply emotional for me and for the students and faculty members who were present. Richard’s sincerity and desire to help others not ever start down that dark road came across loud and clear.
The most compelling time for me was during the question and answer session, made available to the students after Richard’s story ended. Being an educator for as long as I have and to have heard many guest presentations, the effectiveness of a presentation is determined by the questions the students have. I must say the questions the students asked were remarkable, sincere, mature and very real. Richard made “the” connection with the students that not every presenter can make.
Richard explained to the students that if he can help just one of them from going down the dark road he has traveled, then sharing his story, as difficult as it may be, was worth it. I can say with a sense of sincere confidence, he helped more than just one student that day and highly encourage and recommend that school systems throughout New England invite him to their schools to tell his story.
Please feel free to contact me should you wish to discuss Mr. Barnes’ presentation further or have any questions.
Sincerely,
Daniel P. Schwemin, Esq