Todd Becker Foundation Speaks to Students
by Angelica Volquardsen
As a part of Red Ribbon Week, Pierce High School sponsored a motivational speaker and presentation to address the students and staff of Pierce High School and guests from Osmond High School. The assembly was held on Wednesday, October 25, at the Pierce Auditorium.
This years Red Ribbon Week’s focus was about life choices and how they can be the keys to success, and as part of Pierce’s observance of Red Ribbon Week, twelve members of the Todd Becker Foundation presented their program. Along with members from the Todd Becker Foundation, a traveling band named Chye opened the presentation and accompanied it with live music.
Keith Becker, the main speaker, is the older brother of Todd Becker, for whom the foundation is named. Keith spoke about how tragic, life changing choices led to the death of his brother Todd during his senior year at Kearney High. The assembly, which included not only the speaker and band but also images and videos from Todd Becker’s story, was intended to send the message that choice by choice, decision by decision, we can end up in destructive situations like Keith’s brother, or we can choose a better path.
School Counselor Mary Birch said, “I think many students were moved to want to make the best possible choices for themselves, even though that might be difficult in our culture.”
The assembly was well received by many students, including senior Meredith Fasse, who said, “It was very eye-opening and powerful because a lot of what he had to say pertained to students.”
In addition to impacting students, the presentation also impacted staff members. Mr. Alan Lindsay's student teacher Mr. Hubenka said, “I felt like it was really relatable because it is a close Nebraska town. Seeing how drinking and driving impacted him, I see how it impacted my friends and family, so it hits close to home in those regards.”
