Gerety grabs attention

Motivational speaker Ed Gerety gave an inspirational presentation to all students and staff in early September here at the high school. The school’s gymnasium was set up for the assembly by Eric Castonguay and Shane Harrington’s A block classes while Gerety was on the road waiting to change many students’ perspectives on everyday challenges. This is Gerety’s 23rd year speaking, and he has been to more than 100 high schools in the last 20 years. In fact, this is his second time speaking at the high school, the first time being after the suicide of Phoebe Prince. When Gerety speaks, his main focus is about the students and not himself, so that it is personalized to the school and to the specific students he talks about. He speaks about being grateful and respectful of others, and the importance of not judging anyone because their story is unknown.

Gerety tends to “wing” his speeches and just go with the flow of the conversation. However he does have guidelines on what topics to include such as a phone call to a student’s parent, talking about being grateful, the “boy at lunch” story, the “I love you” bit, and relationships at the school. “Students were awesome and had a lot of spirit. I felt so welcome,” said Gerety. His motivation to become a professional speaker started in college because of the great coaches and teachers that inspired him to help others. Students he has talked to also inspire him to continue his career. Gerety has spoken at many schools and reinforces positive messages to millions of students. During his interview, he had shared some advice for all students to know. That advice is to surround yourself with positive people and good vibes. He says that he is not always happy and it’s unlikely for anyone to be happy all of the time. Everyone has good and bad days and it is up to yourself to make the choices to change it.

Senior Megan Senecal was present during the Ed Gerety assembly and was happy to share her thoughts on the subject. Before Gerety began his speech, she was expecting it to be exciting and motivational for everyone. Her expectation turned out to be true after she listened to what he had to say. “I thought he made good points and it inspired me,” said Senecal. The speech opened her eyes and made her realize to be grateful of people, and to say I love you to those you love. He inspired her to do well in school and to try her hardest. Senecal thought about her destiny and her purpose in life while the speech continued on. Her favorite part of the assembly was when Colin Paleologopoulos called his mother in front of everyone and told her he loved her. The Spotlight staff got up close and personal about Ed Gerety’s life outside of his career. He is in his 14th year of marriage with two kids; Ryan and Shannon. His kids love to play soccer, swim and take care of their pets. Ryan is ten years old and he has two herbals named Trevor and Willow. Shannon is eight years old and she loves animals including her own bearded dragon that she has at home. There are other pets in the Gerety household; two cats named Sugar and Cocoa. The cats like to travel with the family. Gerety and his family live in New Hampshire on the coast, which means easy access to the beaches. He is a “swiftie” and even went to a Taylor Swift concert. He is a cat person, and loves to listen to country, pop, and rock on Pandora. His favorites include the color green, the movie “Shawshank Redemption”, the book “Places We Go” by Dr Seuss, and the singer Bruce Springsteen. For more information about what Ed Gerety does visit edgerety.com or @edgerety on Twitter where he posts inspiration quotes.