” Schools would be a much better and safer place if every elementary, and high school student had an opportunity to participate in this program. Today’s event affords the State Legislature an inside and first-hand look at the disrespect and harm many kids face on a daily basis. My colleagues and I applaud the TEEN TRUTH: LIVE program for all the positive effects it is making throughout the nation. ”
State Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas
District 26, California
” The anti-bullying workshop was outstanding today at LHS. Erahm Christopher (Machado) did a terrific job with the presentation and video. Our kids received an added benefit of hearing from Ryan Bellflower. Ryan was the high school autistic basketball player last year who played the last few minutes of the East Clovis High School game and made a 3-point shot at the buzzer (you might have seen this on the news) ! He has overcome a lot in life and it was very inspirational for our students to hear. Great Job!
When Erahm and the Teen Truth crew return later this spring we plan to have the presentation with our 7th & 8th graders. ”
Dr. Ronald Estes, Superintendent
Linden Unified School District, California
” I had many teachers tell me what a great assembly that was…such a positive, encouraging message. You’ve done a wonderful thing, JC. And I could totally tell that the kids really connected with you. And they respected you. Personally, I really enjoyed everything about the presentation. We would love to have you back next year! ”
Melissa Amerian, Activity Director
Chaparral High School, California
” The three assemblies for our freshman students last week generated powerful results. The nature of the presentation and your “real life, straight up” presentation style were right on the money for this group of students. The video was powerful and moving and when combined with the presentation opened the eyes of our students to the dangerous potentiality of tolerating bullies on campus. The follow up activity, out of the TEEN TRUTH curriculum, focused on support systems for our students. Based on student response, the importance of adequate support systems was evidenced. This information helped us evaluate student access to school support systems and make appropriate revisions. The trauma of divorce, substance abuse, bullying and other personal challenges our students all to frequently face, underscore the need for a presentation of this nature. I know we will definitely bring you back for our frosh class next year. ”
Joel Johannsen, Principal
Escalon High School, California
” JC, Thank you for speaking to our students at Damonte Ranch High School. Your presentation was quite impactful! We had several faculty members as well as students make very positive comments. One faculty member said that he has been teaching over 25 years and this was by far the top motivational type assembly that he had experienced. To hold the attention of over 1800 7-12th graders for over an hour was quite an accomplishment! ”
Ron Seckler, Vice Principal
Damonte Ranch High School, Nevada
” The presentation was so powerful, and Erahm Christopher is a great public speaker. I was amazed he was able to elicit responses and feedback out of teenagers that are usually “too cool” to participate. It was great afternoon and I will be contacting the schools to see what can be arranged. ”
Deanna Staggs, Director Health Center
Stockton Unified School District, California
” JC, I just wanted to let you know what a pleasure it was to meet you. We all thought the assemblies were fantastic, we appreciated all of your energy. The kids have been talking about it, I guess that was the point. Again, thank you. We have tremendous respect for you, your company and your work. ”
Dorothy McDonald, Counselor
Swope Middle School, Nevada
” JC & Erahm, I apologize for not being able to visit more after the assemblies, but you need to know why. Right at the beginning of lunch I got a phone call…. The presentation definitely empowered students – we had a student report to a teacher that he saw another student with a knife on campus! The kid who reported is a very shy student in an EL class. The teacher gave us the name and we were able to apprehend the student immediately – he had a 3 1/2 inch locking blade knife! TEEN TRUTH made this happen. TEEN TRUTH made Carlmont High School safer today. TEEN TRUTH empowered students. TEEN TRUTH got students AND faculty
thinking. ”
Robert Fishtrom, Carlmont High School
Belmont, California
“ The TEEN TRUTH film series creates a lasting affect that motivates students from an emotional core. Motivating from within creates a sustainability of purpose that you can’t get from fads or trends, because once the fad or trend is unpopular the purpose fades. ”
Aaron Raby, Stanislaus County Office of Education
Stanislaus County, California
” I wanted to let you know that TEEN TRUTH LIVE had a huge impact on the students in Santa Fe Springs. JC Pohl was outstanding and his intensity kept every student locked in to each of the six presentations. TEEN TRUTH LIVE was a home run-THANK YOU! Thanks again for everything! ”
Rick Brown, City of Santa Fe Springs
Santa Fe Springs, California
” Well, what can I say? Teen Truth comes through again! It was amazing. TEEN TRUTH: BODY IMAGE is the new BULLY! Stephanie and Erahm came in and made a huge impact on everyone they came in contact with. From the video to the presentation and beyond, our students were educated and inspired. OUr parents were touched and thankful that their children had such an amazing experience. I could probably go on for pages but bottom line, THANK YOU for what you do and please keep going! ”
Jennifer Hutchison, Rancho Milpitas Middle School
Milpitas, California
” Michael was one of the best speakers this school had ever seen, and I know that because out of all of the speakers I have seen brought in (and between the school, student council, and the PTA there have been a lot over the years) I have never seen the gym so quiet. over 1500 people, and from the end of the video to the end of the presentation there was barely a word, barely a fake cough, I didn’t even hear an incoming text message. The gym was silent. ”
Andrew, 11th Grade Student
Greeley High School, New York
” You came to my school mitchell senior november 13 2009. i started cutting myself in the 5th grade. i did it so often because it made me feel good because i used to be excluded from every thing. i stopped in the sixth grade, but started again this year. i started again because i thought that no one liked me. But you opend my eyes and led me to realalize that i really do have people i can turn to. i have my best friend and my family. i thought it was always good to keep everything bottled up inside, but i was wrong u really helped me beleive that i dont have to cut myself to to make myself feel better. i will never ever forget the presentation that u gave, it was really life changing and i will never ever go back to cutting.thank you ”
Megan, 8th Grade Student
Mitchell Sr. Elementary, California
” I was so thrilled to have Teen Truth Live: Drugs & Alcohol as our guest again at Bogota High School! Michael was amazing and very inspiring! If someone were watching me during that presentation, they would notice that I found myself crying occasionally, and I suppose that’s a good sign because the presentation reached my emotions, just as it had before. I just wanted to thank Michael and all of Teen Truth Live for making a difference! ”
Larissa, 10th Grade Student
Bogota High school, New Jersey
” By the way, your presentation ended up convincing me not to take shrooms tonight. I’m really grateful, man, it definitely helped settled my decision. ”
Proppe, 11th Grade Student
St. Thomas High School, Quebec
” WOW! JC came to my school lompoc senior high and i got to say i was crying like i heard the no bullying thing all my life but when you see what it causes how it makes people feel what theyre capable of doing it really wakes you up and it woke me up very quickly sooo thanks the video really really helped and i just bought a copy so ill spread the word. ”
Jessica, 9th Grade Student
Lompoc Senior High School, California
” I wanted to let you know again how much of an impact that video had on me, and how it connects to my life and the life of High School. There are so many stories that I have that have gone unsaid that I want to tell, and there are so many things that I want to change that have gone unchanged. Watching your production made me notice that there is someone else out there like me that wishes to tell these stories and make changes. This is part of the reason I got so emotional today at school, that there is actually change occurring. ”
Ricky, 10th Grade Student
Linden High School, California
” I saw you today at the Hilton for the NYSCLSA. I LOVED the videos. They really made me step back and look at everything in a whole different way. I’m glad that you were there. You really did change my way of life. 
. ”
Gabby, 10th Grade Student
NYSCLSA, New York
” TEEN TRUTH: BODY IMAGE is one of the best films I have seen on this issue in a long time. Made by teens for teens, with the support of the amazing team at Teen Truth live, it is a candid, bona fide, heart wrenching and hopeful look at this crucial yet often trivialized issue. Sheena’s Place has added it to our list of essential resources for teens, their families and friends as well as front line community service providers. ”
Julie Notto, Program Coordinator
Sheena’s Place ~ A Support Centre for People with Eating Disorders, Toronto
” Today in our class, the day after your presentation, Teen Truth, it was an odd atmosphere.. We discussed a bit about the presentation and all of the comments were positive. Some people whom I don’t talk to in my class (conflict of interests), it seems like that presentation has changed them! It made them think! I really liked the atmosphere that your presentation created and I hope it stays in my class and all the other classes affected by your wonderful
documentary. ”
Nick, 10th Grade Student
Jean XXIII School, Dorval, QC
” JC, I really liked your movie because even though I didn’t plan on thinking yesterday your film really made us think. Everybody was talking about it for the rest of the day. Your film touched everybody. It got us to realize that if we see something that we know is wrong and we don’t tell a responsible adult we’re part of it and if something happense we’re going to regret not telling them. Your film really inspired me to make a difference. Yesterday I talked to people that nobody does. I also tried not to judge people’s feelings by what somebody looks like on the outside. Many kids took your challenges and said they would make a change and not let something happen to us like the other schools did ”
Nereyda, 7th Grade Student
Tommie Kunst Junior High School, California
” The day was an absolute success. We were thrilled with the presentation and how it resonated with the students and staff. I have only heard positive comments from staff about the presentation and how timely the topic was. I want to personally thank you and Erahm for everything that you did to help us tailor the program to fit our audience. Thank you again. This has been an outstanding experience for everyone in our community that will shape who we are for years to come. ”
Beth Terry, Head of Academic Supports
Freire Charter School, Philadelphia
” I was really impressed with your presentation and video on Bullying in school. I was really touched by the message. I know the students were as well. ”
Melda Gaskins Ed.D., Director Pupil Services
Modesto City Schools, California
” I am a student at Escalon high school. You were at my school today and I wanted to say that your presentation made an impact on me. I think that from now on I will be more compassionate when it comes to bullying. Thank you for coming to our school!! ”
Miranda, 10th Grade Student
Escalon High School, California
” This was a great presentation! This message is exactly why I wanted to get into counseling. ”
Anonymous, Counselor
CASC Conference, California
” Hey JC, Im Rachelle and I go to Livingston High School… you came to our school today and gave a presentation and that was the BEST presentation anyone has ever given throughout my school years. And Im being compeletely honest
I just wanted to say thanks alot man = ) ”
Rachelle, 12th Grade Student
Livingston High School, California
” Great presentation today… it is a great movie and it makes everybody think about how they effect each other. You make me think that I can really become a soccer player, because that is my dream to play soccer. You make me think I really can do it even though people say bad things about me. Thank you and good luck on everything. ”
Francisco, 12th Grade Student
Escalon High School, California
” Hi, I go to Waterloo Middle School, and had a Teen Truth presentation at my school today. It was really nice to see that a lot of people are struggling with peer pressure at school, and that I’m not the only one. I’ve been bullied, and I’ve been made fun of and a lot of times, that caused me to do some weird things, such as lock myself in my room and cry myself to sleep. The video made me feel a lot better, and I really hope that all students benefited from the video the way I did. Thanks so much for the presentation. I feel better now. ”
Leslie, 8th Grade Student
Waterloo Middle School, California
” JC, the assembly yesterday was very inspirational. It showed that bullying can result in fights, and killing. We, as the students here at Pine, should be able to stop that and make a difference. I know it wasn’t meant to be scary, but the video scared me and I want to include everyone now and be nice to everyone, even if I dislike them. It showed me the truth! ”
Anonymous, 8th Grade Student
Pine Middle School, Nevada
” TEEN TRUTH, thank you for creating the most important curriculum I’ve ever seen! ”
Cat Campbell, 7-8th Grade Student
Tommie Kunst Junior High School, California
” On March 28, 2007, students and teachers at Selwyn House School in Montréal, Canada, were privileged to see Erahm Christopher’s new short film “Teen Truth: An Inside Look at Bullying and School Violence,” and to participate in a stimulating and provocative round table. The film is affecting in many ways, and it inspired students and teachers to consider more deeply why and how bullying occurs. We thank Mr. Christopher for his candor and inspiration, and hope that his enterprise continues to have positive results in every community that sees this special film and hears his
story. ”
Robert H. Bouskill, Middle School Teacher
Selwyn House School, Montreal, Canada
” I thought that “Teen Truth” was an amazing film and one that was all true. I learned how much words can affect someone for their whole life. ”
Anonymous, 7th Grade Student
Selwyn House School, Montreal, Canada
” i just saw the teen truth video it was really inspiring and it really did make a difference. ”
Marissa, 7th Grade Student
Mendive Middle School, Nevada
” Hey, today you came to my school and presented a movie to us, which was quite touching, I was emotionally and physically moved. I was wondering if their was anything possible that I could do to contribute to this movie, or to your presentations, because I am willing to help, and I want to make a difference. ”
Evan, 9th Grade Student
St. Georges School, Montreal, Canada
” JC, I thought yesterday was a good wake-up call on what bullying was all about. I really learned a lot of stuff and I’ve actually tried to be really nice to people all the time, which I already try to do, but now I’m making a greater effort. The part on the Comlubine shooting really opened my eyes. I knew we had a shooting (at our school) and I know how to prevent it, but I never knew it is so serious. ”
Anonymous, 8th Grade Student
Pine Middle School, Nevada<
” Everyone loved it! I could not believe the students stayed seated and were not disruptive. First time ever in any assembly or presentation. It was nice to see. You could hear a pin drop. All feedback has been positive so far! Thanks again for all the hard work the Teen Truth Live presenters and staff do. Much appreciated! ”
Danielle LeBlanc, Counselor
Grenfell Community Schools, Grenfell, CANADA
” I want to thank you so much for presenting at Eastside. It was an eye opener for a lot of students. We had very deep discussions and the proverbial crap hit the fan. Kids came out of hiding from bullies. You would think a school with only 100 students would be able to see it. Thank you again for sharing your story. Please send my thanks to Ryan also. He is an inspiration for us all! ”
Laurie Beyer, 7th and 8th Grade Teacher
North Highland Charter School, California
” Hi my name is Paige and today you came to my school and presented your film, Teen Truth. Your film really had an effect on me. It is very inspirational and I personally can relate to most things that were in it. I’m really glad that you took time out of your busy schedule just to come to our school and show us your film. It means a lot to me and everyone at my school. After the film, I was talking to a bunch of my friends and we all agreed that this was the best presentation we have ever had. It really changed the way we look at things now. ”
Paige, 7th Grade Student
John Marshall Middle School, California
” Thank you so much for coming to our school today. You will not believe how much of an impact you are going to have on my friends. I already saw changes!! I saw more kids watching out for each other, more smiles and people not as alone! What you said had a great impact on me, since I have gone through some tough times. You even brought me to tears. I realized how much we teenagers are alike, yet we are blinded by what is on the outside and close our minds to the world beyond such as compassion and heart! If only more people like you would open their eyes and be aware and teach this message! Once again, thank you so much. ”
Anita, 7th Grade Student
Tetzlaff Middle School, California
” Hello Erahm Christopher this is Noah from St. George’s school of Montreal and I thought your presentation was very inspiring today. It made me think in ways I have never thought before and changed the way I am going to live my life from now on I thank you for coming and hope you continue to do what you do because what your doing is a great thing to do giving kids a voice and sharing your knowledge on this topic and informing kids about this very important and interesting subject ”
Noah, 7th Grade Student
St. George’s School, Montreal
” Dear JC, Thank you for coming to our school and showing us the real world. The video that you showed us really made me think. It made me think about the way I treat people and the way people treat me. Now I will think before I say something or do something. You really helped show the kind of things that can happen to people that bully and, or being bullied. Thank you very much for your time and presence. ”
Nina, 7th Grade Student
Tommie Kunst Junior High School, California
” I was really moved by your video. It made me think. I knew that most of these kids were bullied but I never realized we all could be bullies and not even realize it. Since then, I have taken the time to be more open and friendly with people, try not to exclude anyone, and when I see someone being picked on I stand up for him or her. I invite people who I think look lonely to sit with us at lunch because I remember when I was that person and how I felt and I don’t want those feelings to erupt into something bigger. Your movie had a great message and I could really relate to everything you were saying. It was an amazing movie and I know it had an impact on a lot more people. So I would like to thank you for making that movie and I cannot wait to see some of your other ones. I hope you can come to our school again. ”
Laura, 8th Grade Student
Johnson Middle School, California
” Thanks for the great assembly, the kids (and I) really enjoyed it!. My group was so into the “message” that they made posters in español that we hung in the world languages hallway. Gracias. ”
Cary, Language Teacher
Mahwah High School, New Jersey
” I just wanted to tell you that I just saw one of the most moving things ever. Two popular girls moved lunch tables to go sit with a boy who has absolutely NO friends. They told their teacher that after attending the assembly, they thought he may feel “alone,” and they didn’t want him to feel that way. ”
Lyndsi, Counselor
Charleston Middle School Counselor, Missouri
” This was the first presentation at my school that I actually paid attention to. This was also the only one that I could relate to. Your movie made me think about my life and the lives of others. ”
Alan, 8th Grade Student
Johnson Middle School, California
” Dear JC, I enjoyed your movie a lot. It really showed me ho just a simple greeting can save lives. ”
Yeraldi, 8th Grade Student
Tommie Kunst Junior High School, California
” Erahm, you changed my life. ”
Jessica, 7th Grade Student
Tetzlaff Middle School, California
” JC Pohl, You understand us, and I want you to know that you are the most completely honest person I’ve ever met. ”
Evelyn, 8th Grade Student
Tommie Kunst Junior High School, California
” Yesterday was fantastic! The presentation was amazing and the conversation that followed was the reason I became a teacher. Thank you all. ”
Kelly, 8th Grade Teacher
Windmill Spring School, California
” Today, when you went to my school and showed us your video, I could tell that every single student was actually listening to what you had to say. You really made a difference at my school today, you really made me think about how one single act of kindness, or meanness can affect someone’s life on a huge level. I actually had a boy that I never thought he would do this in his life, come up to me and say that he was sorry for every mean thing he had ever said to me. This meant a lot to me, and I just wanted to thank you and to let you know that you are making a very big difference in our lives. ”
Yamile, 8th Grade Student
Stacey-Clegg Middle School, California
” After watching that movie my left arm was shaking, literally shaking non-stop. I nearly cried at the end. You guys are really good. I hope the whole world could hear what you told us kids in middle school. ”
“Taco”, 7th Grade Student
Stacey-Clegg Middle School, California
” One of our teachers who was having a little anxiety over having to talk to her kids about bullying said that after the assembly they had a great discussion in her class. Many students were brought to tears. A group of seniors got together and baked cookies for all 500+ freshmen and delivered them on Friday. One of those seniors had been hazed when she was a freshmen and wanted to break the cycle. Cool stuff. ”
Jim Valiere, Activities Director
Seattle, Washington
” Thanks again for bringing your message to our school. It was amazing. It created some good conversation between Bethany (a student) and I. I wasn’t even ready for all of her emotions, but we managed to get through it. Here she is…straight A’s –literally first in her class, pretty [mom bias, maybe], talented–she sings, dances, acts–she get parts and honors so I know I am not being biased about that…and she feels totally ALONE. She feels like she has NO friends, no one to confide in…I asked her about her 5 and she said. “I have one…you.” Oh, my heart is breaking. She is shy. She is not silly. We are working on the friends thing and we are talking more. ”
Cheryl McIlrath, Administrator
Rossville, Indiana
” Hi, I am one of the teachers who attended your Teen Truth assembly. Many of my students were really touched by your sensitive presentation and asked so many questions or had so many comments to make. Kids these days need to have that dialogue. Thanks for being there for them and for presenting it in such a sensitive and truthful manner. Programs like yours are well worth the time spent out of class. ”
Maureen Saati, Teacher
Westminster, California
” Thanks for the presentation at our school. It inspired me to help the people around me. As I was watching your movie I noticed everyone paying attention and I knew it changed peoples lives and the expectations of our peers. You changed my life in many different ways. Thank you. I learned that a simple tease or a rumor can really hurt a person. The questions you asked me really made me think and I know it made other students think as well. Erahm, you changed my life and I just want to say thank you and let you know that you are my inspiration and also kind of my hero. You have helped many students think and change their ways. Keep it up because there are many teens in the world that need help and you are the one that can help ease their pain. ”
Robin, 8th Grade Student
Ross Middle School, California
” JC, The day after your presentation the school overall felt more peaceful and loving. Thank you for the experience. ”
Allyson, 8th Grade Student
Tommie Kunst Junior High School, California
” I just want to thank you for the messages you gave us and I do hope that so many more people will, like us Golden Valley Cougars, listen to your messages and put them into action at school. Thank you so much!” ”
Michelle, 11th Grade Student
Golden Valley High School, California
” you guys came to my school today, san gabriel mission high school, and your presentation was pretty life changing. You inspired a lot of people not only me maybe that was what my school needed to see what people do when they get bullied. ”
Valerie, 10th Grade Student
San Gabriel Mission High School, California
” teen truth.
changed my life at school.
I had this HUGE problem with a girl…and everyone else at my school for that matter. Becuase I was the new girl. Everyone picked on me&& called me names && judged me before they got to know me. Therefore, I was afaird of going to school and hated school. I would dread getting up in the morning more than anything becuase I knew that, that day was going to be like any other, walking down the halls getting dirty looks, and rude stares, hearing whispers with my name coming from the mouths. It hurt so badly. Its the worst I’ve ever felt in my life. Something happened at the beginning of the school year, and becuase of one little thing that was said, everyone judged me right of the bat, without even getting to know the real me. Because of being so hurt and sad all the time, I was doing poorly in school, and was not able to keep a good relatioship, but then my school and I went to a teen truth assembly, and I was crying through the whole video becuase I knew how bad it hurts. To be picked on and bullied. After the video was over…the girl came up to me (the girl I got in a fight with) and apoligized for everything. So did I. Finnaly my prayers had been answered. I was crying. Not becuase I was sad. Becuase I was so overjoyed that everything was okay again. Ever since the assembly everyone has been nice to me…and there hasn’t been any fights at my school. Im hanging out with people that used to call me names. I know that may sound funny. But the thing is everything that has happened, has happened in the past. The past is behind me and them, and I’ve learned to forgive and forget. Thanks to TEEN TRUTH for changing my life && many other lives. You guys made such a huge impact on me and my school. And becuase of you guys im not afaird to go to school anymore.
God Bless you guys and keep changing lives. ”
Anonymous Student, 7th Grade Student
Westside Charter School, California
” You guys came to Righetti High School on Tuesday. Man that fil you showed was freaking intense and scary I cried big time. Hopefully it changes other peoples lives, cuz it changed mine. ”
Shawn, 10th Grade Student
Righetti High School, California
” hi my name is mikailah and i go to el camino i just wanted to thank you for comming to my school and i enjoyed the movie and ill be thinking twice before i exclude or ignore someone again. i think that our school needed that. and i’ll also be thinking twice before i dont tell my mom anything that i dont think she needs to hear. that movie really made me think and i just wanted to say thank you for comming to our school and hope you come again to show us another video. and im looking forward to seeing your movies in theaters. ”
Mikailah, 8th Grade Student
El Camino Middle School, California
” I would just like to thank you guys for coming down to Righetti High School in Santa Maria. Your film had a great impact on me, and I really learned a lot. Thanks again. ”
Shae, 9th Grade Student
Righetti High School, California
” I wanted to say thank you very much for the assembly today at school. Your assembly made me think hard of how i bullied others and i have now noticed to just change and be good out there. Your message came to me as to help others and to make a difference in life. I appreciate again your help to me. I am also sorry about your brother passing away. Out of all people, you should be the last one losing someone. You make a difference in a lot of people and just dont change because your going to live up to a great life. I believe if you affected me, you affected others. Thanks again for all your help. ”
Tim, 10th Grade Student
North Reading High School, Massachusetts
” hey, you came to my school today, Righetti High in Santa Maria. Well, I just wanted to say good job on it. It has really effect me, and I will try to imprive myself on that and I hope other people will do the same. I was just wondering if you have ever done a film on kids in gangs, because I just found out from my two brothers that they are in one, and i just want them to see what can come out of being in a gang. ”
Anaisha, 9th Grade Student
Righetti High School, California
” I’m 15 and I go to Righetti High School. you guy had come to my school and I wanted to tell you what I thought about your video. I didn’t get to tell you. but when I was watching the video I thought a lot about how much I had people make fun of me. I have been called fat all my life. when people call me that its makes me want to cry but I try to remember that they don’t know anything about me. although I cant change want people say it still hurts. it like having someone stab you in the back. I had a best friend that knew everything about me. well her friends didn’t like me so she started making fun of me so she could fit in with them. your video made me cry because I know all thats true it does happen and people don’t realize how much they affect others. I loved your video and I’m glad you guys came to my school to talk to all these kids. ”
Anonymous Student, 10th Grade Student
Righetti High School, California
” I recently watched your presentation TEEN TRUTH-Bullying at my high school and I wanted to thank you for bringing such an important issue to light. Your film was unique and was told from a perspective that teens could easily relate to. It made me THINK and it INSPIRED me. ”
Bernice, 10th Grade Student
St. Thomas High School, Montreal
” Hey there this is Taylor Wallace from Encina High School today. I just want to express my huge thanks to you for showing the kids of our school the road that they could go down if they make certain wrong decisions. For teenagers it is hard to look beyond the fun of today and you were able to show then that they need too and the is a huge lesson in life, probably one of the biggest. The message you gave was needed so much and was perfectly on time since prom is coming up! Thank you! ”
Taylor, 11th Grade Student
Encina High School, California
” so today you presented the film and spoke to our school and it was really amazing. I wanted to thank you for that. Everyone left the room looking differently at the groups of people that they had judged and been judged by before, well atleast the people i talked to. what was amazing was the fact that you were able to get such a message across without being corny or forgettable, i just wanted to email to say that i was walking home that day alone, and i usually walk with a bunch of friends but today they all had plans. And infront of me, there was a girl walking, and i’ve known her forever but we kind of both made fun of each other and were pretty mean. Anyways, that was in elementry school and i hadn’t talked to her since. SO we were walking home near each other and she started showing off and trying to insult me, anyways, for some reason i didn’t even think about insulting her back, i just thought about your presentation and after some convincing we actually ended up walking home together and talking… thinking back it was still something that made me think how easy it is to be nice rather than mean. That’s just a small thing, but it hopefully made a difference in her eyes because it definitely did in mine. So thank you, i really appreciate the things you are doing to change people and it is obviously working. ”
Jaimee, 11th Grade Student
St. Thomas High School, Montreal
” You (Erahm Christopher) came to my school today. (In Chicoutimi) and I was really moved by your hilm that you showed us. I was wondering if there is any way I can get my own copy of the DVD? It would be wonderful because I work with kids on bullying. Eventually teens. Please let me know if there’s any way to get my own dvd.
By the way, thank you for the amazing presentation. You were right it actually did make me think. ”
Myriam, 9th Grade Student
Riverside Regional High School, Chicoutimi
” Just yesterday Teen Truth came to our school, Hadley Junior High! It made me realize how lucky I am to not constantly be bullied, sure I have been bullied a couple times, but there are some people that are afraid to get up in the morning because theyre so scared of a bully! I want to try and help those people who are scared by giving them a friend! Thank you so very very much! ”
Anonymous, 8th Grade Student
Hadley Junior High, Ottawa
” On behalf of El Cerrito High School, I would like to thank you again for the presentations you gave on Friday. I can’t tell you how many staff members and students have said what a powerful presentation you gave and they were deeply moved. I realize that we can’t reach everyone, but I am happy that we were able to reach anyone who was willing to listen to your story. You are truly an inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing your story. ”
Sarah Larson, Counselor
El Cerrito High School, California
” This is truly impressive. TEEN TRUTH has accomplished so much in such a short period of time.
TEEN TRUTH helped me discuss some topics with my children that I might not otherwise have delved into and I know that they’ve then stored the info and, on one occasion, used it. Thanks for sharing this. ”
Leslie, Parent
Linden High School, California
” TEEN TRUTH LIVE: DRUGS & ALCOHOL is absolutely, amazing presentation! Mike did an awesome job. You all should be so proud. I am truly touched and I try to spread “Teen Truth Live” to every person I know and meet along the way. ”
Jennifer, Specialist
SAY San Diego, California
” I hope this email finds you well after a successful visit to our beautiful city of Palos Verdes. Your TEEN TRUTH LIVE: DRUGS & ALCOHOL presentation to the parents on Wednesday night at Pen High was moving, memorable, and forever imprinted on my heart as one for “the top ten list”. ”
Marisa, Parent
Peninsula High School, California
” Hey its Darian im not sure if you remember me or not, but i just wanted to say the assembly you held at my school was intense and life changing. The video was eye opening in my own opinion. Most kids enjoyed it from my point of view and it really made me think about bullying. I never really payed attention to my surroundings until now. I want to make a difference in students lives, because i know how it feels to be taunted and teased and it isn’t fun at all and no one deserves to be treated that way. Anyways, I wanted to say thank you. Because that says it all. ”
Darian, 7th Grade Student
Valley Center Middle School, California
” I thought that this presentation was incredibly inspiring. Seeing actual footage of what bullying can cause was an extreme reality check, but I am glad that I had the opportunity to see the TEEN TRUTH video, as well as hear what JC had to say about his own experiences. I believe that hearing others’ stories makes it easier for students, or people in general, to relate to others, therefore making them feel less lonely in the world. I think that TEEN LINE similarly shares that aspect of the program. ”
Cheyenne Sommo
TEEN LINE
” Teen truth was an excellent presentation, because it was made by real students that are the same age we are. To tell your truth can be extremely difficult, and I appreciated every moment that someone spoke in the video. The footage from the Columbine shooting was so disturbing, but at the same time, I think it was necessary to see it in order to understand the TRUTH behind everything around us. ”
Alana Corre
TEEN LINE
” Authentic, relevant, and compelling, TEEN TRUTH is a catalyst for discussion, advancing the movement towards a universal understanding of the most important issues facing teens today. ”
Lauren Feldman
TEEN LINE
” The TEEN TRUTH video definitely made an impact on me, and the way I view bullying. Not only is it something we all do without even realizing, but something that is completely preventable. From the video, Students dealing with this type of bullying should tell their truth story and connect with TEEN LINE , especially if it means it could save lives and change someone’s harsh decision. ”
Amit Rozen
TEEN LINE
” The TEEN TRUTH presentation is very inspirational. It causes awareness among teens, taking the first big leap among my generation to prevent the very lethal everyday high school behavior. By talking about the “regular” problems that we teens face, and taking us deeper into the topic, TEEN TRUTH is an exciting program that pursues change for the better and hope for a more peaceful environment. ”
Valeriya Komova
TEEN LINE
” Teen truth is an amazing organization with a very meaningful goal, especially for anyone working at teenline. People do not understand the daily struggles that teens go through and do not realize that if they do not talk about the way they are feeling, negative consequences can occur in the future. I truthfully felt enlightened after seeing his presentation and I am extremely pleased that we will be working with them. ”
Emily Schenkel
TEEN LINE
” JC’s presentation was not only highly energetic and captivating, but also a reminder of the importance in hearing one’s cry for help and taking action. Through the eyes of students just like me, the videos demonstrated that we teens are not alone. We can fight through depression, bullying, stress, and fear together. His personal stories, like the fight at the school dance, were very personable. I thoroughly enjoyed his presentation and hope to be able to support TEEN TRUTH and it’s endeavors in years to come. ”
Emily Wallach
TEEN LINE
” I would just like to thank Teen Truth for the amazing presentation it gave my school today. I am a senior at Northport High School in Northport, New York. Michael Sarich told his life story and it truly touched me and inspired me to make the best decisions as I enter college come fall. It was an unforgettable experience and i would like to thank Mr. Sarich for coming all the way from California to be at my school today. Please let Mr. Sarich know that his story changed my life and i appreciate his time and honesty. ”
Alex , 12th Grade Student
Northport High School, New York
” I’m from Ramapo High School, NY. I want to say that was honestly the best school assembly I’ve ever been too. I couldn’t stop crying. I even saw some of my friends crying too and when we all talked about it afterschool, we all agreed that the assembly was emotional, raw and touching. At first, when I heard the assembly was on bullying, I thought it was a a huge joke because we all know how those things work. My school has had them before about things like cyberbullying. Nobody cared, not even me. All the educators just stand there and talk about how bad it is. Teen truth really hit home because I’ve had a friend whose made those types of threats. I was really hesitant to talk to a school offical about it and almost regretted it when I did because my friend became angry at me. Teen truth made me think about how if I hadn’t turned to an administrator, what would have happened. I knew I made the right choice when I watched that film. ”