Yesterday, November 20, 2014, we had the wonderful opportunity of having Rich Barnes speak to our entire high school at one assembly. Mr. Barnes was excellent. You could hear a pin drop in the audience. The students were listening intently throughout the whole talk and at times even applauded him at certain points during his speech when he mentioned something that he did that was very courageous and positive regarding his difficult journey.
Mr. Barnes was very real, honest and relatable to the students. He told his story with complete candor and truthfulness. He wanted to let the students know how he had wasted 28 years of his life because of his addiction to alcohol and drugs. He spoke about how his addiction negatively impacted his relationship with his wife, his daughter and others in his life. Rich Barnes tried to help the students see how he had once been in their shoes and that they should make positive and constructive decisions with regard to their futures and lives rather than following in his destructive footsteps.
Mr. Barnes was so well received by our school community that our Assistant principal asked him if he could come back and give a question and answer assembly. The assistant principal made an announcement the next day asking the students to come up with questions to ask him when he returns to the school. A box at the front office was set up for the questions. Additionally, a teacher created a special classroom activity directly relating to Rich Barnes’ talk which will hopefully be distributed to and used by the entire staff.
I would highly recommend Rich Barnes to speak at your school or particular venue. He has a lot to share and offer people especially the youth of today.
Sincerely yours,
Michael Allen, Headmaster of Randolph High School