Educational Testimonials
Esther Yardumian-Smyth, Head of English Academy of the New Church Secondary School
"We were all riveted by Erik Weihenmayer's compelling talk this morning; so much so, that when we returned to the classroom, the girls and I agreed that from now until Thanksgiving Break, we are casting Macbeth aside in favor of Touch the Top of the World! They are to read the Introduction this weekend and we will have an initial discussion on Monday using the questions and thoughts in the curriculum guide. I put the famous Browning quotation on the board : "A man's reach should exceed his grasp" and we talked about what REACH means, particularly in terms of how Erik imbued his speech with it. He did such a marvelous job of applying it to his listeners. There were so many of us entranced by his words. I have heard so many speakers in my day, and while some have actually been worth the price of admission, none has matched the depth and soul and charm of Erik. It was the most awe-inspiring hour I have spent. I can't wait to see the impression that will be made on my students by their reading of Erik's book."
Nancy Rhine, Denver East HS PTSA
I realize that you are accustomed to monumental accomplishments, so it should come as no surprise that you can now throw another one on the pile. If the response in the day since your appearance is any measure, the 2009 East Community Forum was a knock it out of the park home run. The buzz is that it was the best Forum that most have attended. High praise considering the stature of past speakers. Most importantly, you should be especially proud of the fact that more students turned out than ever before, and that you have such a profound impact on their lives. Changing the perspective of a teenager is a feat nearly as challenging as climbing the tallest mountains in the world!"
Carol Edwards, Event Chair - National Council for Teachers in Mathematics
"Erik's presentation last evening was absolutely the best and most inspirational NCTM Opening Session I have heard in my many years of attending the organization's conferences. Attendees have stopped me today to say how much they were moved by Erik's comments."
Reverend Tony Jarvis, Headmaster - Roxbury Latin, Boston
"This was the best day in the history of Roxbury Latin."
Woody Rutter, Headmaster - Beaufort Academy
"I cannot tell you how many faculty and parents came up to me in the days following your visit to thank me for having you speak to their children. You were the topic of conversation at dozens of dinner tables in Beaufort! Yours is a tremendous story. Your accomplishments alone command respect and interest; the fact that you are blind only makes your story more compelling."
Mike Kensler, Dean of Boys - The Principia School
"I cannot find the words to describe my gratitude to you and respect for you. Nor can I begin to explain the extraordinary ways you and your message impacted and inspired everyone in your audience, and that is especially true of the students. About halfway through your comments, it occurred to me that I should take notes. Sitting there unprepared, I at least had a pen and a small piece of paper that I completely filled with ideas that have already become part of my professional lexicon as a character educator. Your life is a lesson in everything we strive to teach at The Principia: spiritual growth, attitude, effort, self-discipline and selflessness. You demonstrate what an individual can accomplish when he or she pushes through the self- and society-imposed limits of what is possible."
Jim Fraser, Teacher - Episcopal High, Virginia
"Just a short note to let you know that Erik "blew away" the whole community of Episcopal High School!!! Rob Hershey, our headmaster, said to me that Erik was a "rare gift" to our students; and our legendary senior master of 39 years, Ed Rice (math teacher, football coach, A.D., and track coach) sent Rob an e-mail telling him that, in all his 42 years in education, Erik was the most inspiring speaker he has ever heard at The High School."
Todd Horn, Headmaster - Kent Denver School
"Your talk and multimedia show for Ethics Day was undoubtedly the best that I have experienced in my 12 years as Head of Kent Denver School. It was poignant, inspirational, humorous, and captivated every single 6th through 12th grade student with whom I talked."
For more testimonials, please visit our Speaking Testimonials page.
