Unstoppable speaker stops in Hanna

Craig Conrad, an author and motivational speaker, came to Hanna on February 2 to speak to the entire student body at Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) Junior/Senior High. Then on February 3, Conrad went to Hanna Elementary to talk to the youngsters.

Later that evening, a community dinner was held at HEM with Conrad speaking afterwards.

Students who had heard Conrad speak before were in attendance with their families.

HEM freshman Cody Priest enjoyed when Conrad spoke before.

"I liked when he said life is like a glass," C. Priest said. "He said you can live your life half-full and below or you can live life to the fullest and gave examples on how to do it. It was pretty cool to listen to."

HEM sophomore Antony Solaas also enjoyed listening to Conrad the day before and came with his family to hear more.

"He didn't seem self-centered," Solaas said. "He talked about a lot of other people in his stories. I mean he does talk about himself in the stories, but it is their stories. Also he talks strongly about potential and being the "unstoppable you."

Conrad has authored a book titled "Unstoppable You."

"I think it surprised students how interesting it was," HEM senior T'lyssa Solaas said. "When we were told it would be three hours, it seemed questionable he would keep our attention. But he came out and told heartfelt stories that kept our attention. An example was one about a little boy who lost his legs and grew up to be a champion state wrestler."

She said he told the students that drugs and alcohol hurt someone from living up to their full potential. T. Solaas said she found the words inspirational.

"Afterwards he did a leadership program with some of the students and I was one of them," T. Solaas said. "Today this group went to the elementary school dressed as superheroes and had a banner that said no bullying."

Mackenzie Priest said Conrad was one of the best speakers brought to the school in the past few years.

"His talk was not just anti-bullying, but also anti-suicide, anti-drug and his personal stories really touched the hearts of us listening," M. Priest said. "I noticed kids that don't usually pay attention, listening to him and even asking questions. I walked away really glad he came to the school and I got to hear him."

Talee Wlliams, a 5th grader from Hanna Elementary was glad she heard him too.

"It was really helpful," Williams said. "It wasn't boring and I really enjoyed it."

Conrad enjoyed a warm welcome from the audience that evening as he had from the students. 

There is no doubt Conrad is unstoppable in delivering his messages of inspiration.