Motivational speaker inspires students toward self-worth, positive school culture

Mike Donahue speaks to parents about the assembly with students and shares tips on ways to have meaningful conversations with their kids. He also gave his book, “Talking to Brick Walls” to parents for free or a $10 donation.

Anna LaBay/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — Mike Donahue, founder and director of Value Up, a Nebraska-based motivational company, recently left a lasting impact on the students and parents of McCook Junior High and High Schools. With over three decades of experience speaking to students worldwide, Donahue’s engaging and candid style resonated with the audience.

Donahue’s journey in motivational speaking began after finding his calling while serving as a youth pastor in a church. Following the tragic events of the Columbine shooting, he rededicated himself to making a difference in the lives of students and developed the Value Up Program. Recognizing that many teen issues stem from self-perception, Donahue emphasized the importance of understanding one’s innate value and respecting the value of others.

During his visit to McCook, Donahue held assemblies delivering powerful stories and messages aimed at challenging their perception of self-worth. Holding up different shoes as visual symbols, he shared personal experiences of growing up in a broken home, facing poverty, and enduring abuse. Donahue’s poignant stories aimed to connect with students on a deeper level, encouraging them to reflect on their own lives and choices.

One particular story shared by Donahue was about a young man named Dylan who tragically died from a drug overdose at a party. Donahue visited the school at the request of the principal and delivered multiple assemblies throughout the day. During the final assembly, instead of speaking, he listened, hugged, and shared the moment with Dylan’s friends. Weeks later, Dylan’s mother had reached out to Donahue, expressing gratitude for the help he provided her son’s friends. She also went through the laundry lists of why what happened was not something that Dylan would do, he was smart, popular, played baseball, had a job etc. In time she also revealed that Dylan had been under immense pressure, a fact she had failed to fully grasp. Donahue addressed the pressures faced by today’s youth and emphasized the need for parents to understand the unique challenges they face in an interconnected world dominated by technology.

Donahue’s visit to McCook Junior High School left a lasting impact on both students and educators alike. By fostering a sense of self-worth and promoting a positive school culture, he continues to inspire young people to embrace their stories and find support in their journey toward personal growth and success. He says, “Students who feel emotionally and socially safe, are much more likely to engage in their own learning process.”