Mac Bledsoe, father of Buffalo Bills QB Drew Bledsoe was in our area last Fall. He presented to both HS and MS students and they LOVED him! He also did a presentations for parents in the evening, and was again warmly received. More info on him can be found on his website at
www.drewbledsoe.com
I promise, you will not be disappointed. He speaks primarily on good decision making. He is, by trade, a HS english teacher. He is very engaging and gets on the students level and really talks about some hard issues like bullying and prejudice. Check him out! Good luck!
We had some really great motivational speakers come to our middle school last year. Check out their websites.
Kevin Wanzer -
www.kevinwanzer.com
Michael Pritchard -
www.michaelpritchard.com
Michael was the voice of YODA in Star Wars and also did Cookie Monster for Sesame Street
Both these speakers are impressive and the kids really liked them alot.
The middle school kids at our school really got into the assembly to learn how to Stack Cups. It's called speed stacking or something like that. It was very popular and the kids talked about it for a long time! I know they have a website but I can't remember the name. Search speed stacking and you'll find it.
Just because you live in NY and the speaker is in CA - check their website - sometimes you can piggyback an event if they are speaking in your area and save $$$.
David Parker -
www.hellodavid.com
or
www.baylinartists.com
provides keynote presentations to middle school and high school students. He can tailor the engagement to your school's needs (like if there is a particular theme). He's toured nationally and has a slew of references.