To the unassuming passerby, the assembly in the Linkhorne Middle School gym Wednesday could be mistaken for a dance party. Silentó’s Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) blared from oversized speakers as students danced along–self-consciously at first, but with increased rigor at the encouragement of their leader, rapper and motivational speaker Humble Tip.
But Humble was there for more than just fun. Settling into their seats on the bleachers, students leaned in, spellbound, as he grabbed the microphone.
“You don’t have to put your future off to the side because you’re young. You can start working toward your goals today,” Humble said. “Don’t let anyone tell y’all you’re too young to be great.”
He was using their slang; throwing out TikTok references; and alternating between storytelling, rapping, and summoning students down to the dance floor. Humble’s message was simple: No matter the circumstances, we all have the power to work toward our dreams today. And the friends we choose profoundly influence how much progress we make.
Humble led assemblies at all three LCS middle schools last week, delivering a burst of motivation to students before spring break and final exam season.
The elementary schools got their dose of encouragement, too–each was visited by international motivational speaker and recording artist Dr. Fairest Hill.
At W. M. Bass Elementary School on Thursday, a similar air of excitement filled the auditorium. The students were breaking into musical numbers, too–some even daring to sing into Hill’s outstretched microphone themselves. One teacher grabbed the mic and led the crowd through a chorus, to the delight of those in her class.
Like Humble, Hill urged students and staff to prioritize relationships that bring out the best in them. Parents, teachers, friends, and mentors, he emphasized, are key members of the support networks every person needs to be successful.
“There’s something beautiful inside each of us. But no one becomes great by themself,” Hill said.
He emphasized the power of a positive attitude, good behavior, and concentration in working towards big goals. Moving with purpose, he said, makes all the difference.
“Purpose causes you to do what’s uncomfortable–to go beyond yourself,” Hill said. Throughout the week, Hill shared a simple, yet powerful message: “Yes, you can win with a positive attitude.”
The wisdom in Hill’s and Humble’s words was not lost on their audiences. During the Q&A portion of Humble’s presentation, the bleachers transformed into a sea of raised hands. Students were asking the big questions: How do you work towards your goals? How do you choose the right friends? How do you know who you are?
The students’ ambitions will evolve as they mature. But for many, the impact of these assemblies will live on. Students returned to their classrooms with a renewed sense of self-confidence and a brighter view of their futures.
“Academic success is important to the foundation of all students’ futures. School isn’t just about academics–it’s also the backdrop against which young people develop their sense of self, their character, their worldview,” said LCS Director of Equity and Community Relations Ethel Reeves. “LCS is committed to a holistic investment in our students. We want them to know they are valued and supported, and they can do anything they set their minds to.”