Local students treated to motivational speaker

Times Journal

RUSSELL SPRINGS - Russell County High School became the site of an internationally known motivational speaker who understands the hardships of youth.

Last Friday, Jan. 28, 23-year-old Josh Shipp — an international youth speaker for school assemblies, youth conferences, and educational events — made a stop at Russell County High School and Russell County Middle School to talk with students about overcoming obstacles.

Tracey Bean, RCHS Teacher and FCCLA Advisor, planned the assembly after Shipp spoke to her students at a national FCCLA Convention.

The event was made possible by the Drug Free Communities Support Program Grant, RCHS, and FCCLA.

Shipp's message is simple in challenging students to "not be average."

He is currently in his sixth year of entertaining and inspiring audiences.

Shipp kept Russell County students involved with the presentation by telling humorous true stories as well as tales of some of his more tragic moments.

At one point in the presentation Shipp brought silence to the crowd as he told stories of sexual abuse from a foster uncle and how his mother abandoned him on the day of his birth.

According to his publicist, "Josh has the ability to connect on a rare level, to inspire, motivate and get young people to think about their lives."

Shipp told his stories of being abandoned, neglected, and abused as a child, while his personal story of triumph over tragedy inspires youth to overcome life's struggles and live life to the fullest.

He decided become a motivational speaker after serving as State DECA President and on the School-to-Work student advisory committee and began to follow his passion of helping others achieve their goals.

Shipp speaks of everyday life and in the process, attempts a meaningful and empowering connection with his younger audiences.

He is also the coauthor of 3 teen leadership books: The Best of Success for Teens, The Making of an Unshakable Character, and Forty Voices.
 

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