Motivational speaker visits 13 local high schools
October 3, 2023
Treynor, Iowa, October 3, 2023 - Last week motivational speaker and author, Brad Hurtig, traveled to 13 southwest and central Iowa schools impacting over 3,600 students with a message of hope to "Find a Way" and create positive life choices. The presentation was part of TS Bank's TS Promise motivational speaker series Sept. 25-29, visiting Riverside, Treynor, Tri-Center, Underwood, Atlantic, Griswold, East Mills, CAM, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Southwest Valley, Audubon and Ames.
TS Promise, celebrating its 23rd year, is part of the bank’s commitment to reinvest 10% of its net income back into the community and specifically impact local youth through this program. In addition to the school assemblies, a youth rally was held at Fellowship Church, Wed., Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. for all area middle and high schoolers, siblings and parents. There were over 225 in attendance to hear more of Brad's personal story, facing adversity and pouring into others.
“Students were genuinely impacted by the story and his perseverance," said 6th - 12th grade Treynor principal, Rick Nickerson. "There were a lot of lunch conversations about how cool it was that he was able to do all the things he wanted to in spite of his injuries. They really felt like it hit home for them."
Pictured above (left): Brad is fist bumping students as they leave the assembly.
Pictured above (right): Students particpating in a water bottle challenge.
Today, students face an uphill battle against bullying, peer pressure, family hurts and life altering circumstances. Brad’s life changing message of Find A Way® to students across the nation, and unites students to work through their challenges and never give up on their dreams.
Brad Hurtig was a student-athlete in a small town in Northwest Ohio. Only days after finishing his sophomore year of high school, a devastating accident resulted in the amputation of both of Brad’s hands.
Through hard work and determination, Brad soon rejoined his high school football team. In his senior year, Brad led his team defense, recording 111 tackles and received all-state honors all while playing with no hands. Brad’s inspirational story of triumph quickly captured national headlines.
"Brad's story had a lot of connections to our students. He did an amazing job of presenting his story both physically and verbally," said MHS Riverside principal, Nicholas Kroon. "I believe kids could actually envision this happening to anybody. All eyes were on Brad, and his connection back to "Find a Way" was executed very well."
Pictured above: Brad speaking to students at Riverside High School
Growing up in a small town, Brad uses his childhood, family upbringing, and moments from his accident and the aftermath through an unforgettable message for students. Brad also helps breakdown barriers and questions around prosthetics during his message with Q&A at the conclusion of his program.
To learn more about this year’s speaker, visit www.bradhurtig.com. To learn more about the TS Promise program or to get involved contact kelsey.stupfell@tsbg.com.
About TS Bank: TS Bank’s mission is to Ignite Prosperity® in the communities it serves. Leading the resurgence of community banking, TS Bank reinvests 10 percent of their net income locally; hosting educational events and partners with local organizations and non-profits. TS Bank was chartered in 1923 and has $432 million in assets, along with the largest Iowa state-chartered C-Corp trust department west of Des Moines at nearly $267 million in assets named TS Prosperity Group. Locations include Treynor, Macedonia, Atlantic, Corning, Council Bluffs and Ames, Iowa. For more information visit tsbank.com.