Our opening day keynote is an original Freedom Writer whose story is told in part in the 2007 hit movie, Freedom Writers. By age 16, his story was almost over: his father was incarcerated, he dropped out of school, had lived in 26 places, and his best friend had been brutally murdered.

But he turned the page and began writing new, more fulfilling chapters in his life—chapters filled with healing, hope, perseverance, and possibility. He is now happily married, a father of three, a homeschool teacher, a Ph.D. student, an author, an aviator, and one of the nation’s most sought-after speakers.

Through his words, Manny has empowered nearly two million people to improve the quality of not only their own lives, but also the lives of those around them; he has helped thousands of schools raise student achievement and leader efficacy in 49 states and five continents; and, he has helped prevent thousands of dropouts and suicides.

He is the author of several books: Even on Your Worst Day You Can Be a Student’s Best Hope, a book published with ASCD that shows what an individual teacher can do to help troubled, underperforming children believe in themselves, succeed in school, and graduate prepared for work and life.

You will not want to miss this unique opportunity to hear Manny's powerful and inspiring words! Join him and the rest of Virginia's out-of-school time community on October 13th!