TEN SLEEP – During the Ten Sleep School Board meeting Monday evening board members learned that a motivational speaker would be coming to Ten Sleep School in February thanks to Ten Sleep School Administrative Assistant Neysha Lyman.

Lyman wrote a grant for rural and low-income schools which provided the school with $1,737. The school chose to use that money with a contribution by the Ten Sleep School student council to bring motivational speaker Brian Pruitt to the school to speak with students during two different assemblies; one for middle and high school students and one for elementary students.

“His main topics are dreaming big, respect, bullying, academic success, school pride and making the right choices. [Superintendent Jimmy] Phelps has seen him before and then I got to sit and do an interview with him on the phone and I couldn’t wait, as soon as we hung up I was excited and ready to go, so I am excited to get him here,” Lyman stated.

Pruitt at one time was a football star in both high school and at Central Michigan University, who appeared to be the next great NFL football legend. An injury to his neck during a Mid-American conference game in 1994 and an additional injury to his knee prevented him from playing in three crucial games during his senior year in college and actually ended his NFL career before it even started. Undrafted, Pruitt still signed with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent but during a routine physical exam, the earlier neck injury came back to haunt him and he was not released to play.

According to his website, brianpruitt.org, “Brian Pruitt was a sure pick for the 1995 NFL draft before being set-back by what seemed to be tragedy. Nevertheless while faced with this obstacle, Brian began to forge his unique message of hope and encouragement. By drawing from his own personal experiences, Brian enlightens both youth and adults alike on how to overcome obstacles.

“During some of Brian’s greatest challenges, he held on to the words of his mentor and coach: “If you don’t do something with life, life will do something with you.” This profound statement helped Brian to take control of his own destiny despite tough circumstances. It was at this point that Brian pursued his passion of helping people overcome obstacles to accomplish their dreams.”

Some of Pruitt’s motivation speeches and a portion of his history can be found on YouTube.