School Quotes:

"Conveying a message that is applicable to listeners of all ages, Todd can have a profound effect on anyone.  His message is one of overcoming obstacles throughout his life, and how he uses this as motivation every day to better himself and others.  Without a doubt, Todd can positively effect anyone who has a chance to see him perform"

"This afternoon I was absolutely BLESSED to be a witness as Todd Waites came to our school and gave an assembly about perseverance, acceptance, and the power of words. Todd was a young musician playing keyboards since the age of 4, lost his arm to cancer at age 14, yet went on to have a successful career in Rock music. It was just wonderful to see and FEEL his message sinking into the kids as they listened to his story. Super proud to see the money the PTO earns go to such an impactful use. Connections and memories were made today that will change the way some of those children see the world and interact with one another."

"As a high school assistant principal, I have had the opportunity to hear many motivational speakers share their message with kids. Todd Waites is one of those special individuals who not only shares his personal message of struggles and successes but also truly connects with the kids.  Todd shares with kids that it is ok to be an individual and in fact it should be celebrated!"

"I enjoyed your presentation. People need to hear about hope and perseverance - two virtues sorely lacking in today's world. Your story blows away anyone's excuses for not having both. And it was fun to sing!"

"Todd Waites provided an inspirational, motivating ending for our teacher inservice day. His story is suitable for students and adults alike and he makes sure to fashion his message to meet the needs of his audience. You can't help but walk away from your time with Todd feeling invigorated and refreshed. His message of hope reminds us all of what's truly important in life."  

"Our staff has been coming in this morning and saying what a wonderful program you gave us yesterday. It was very positive and uplifting."

"We, at Ripley Union Lewis Huntington School District, wanted to bring someone to our school district who could talk to our students and make a solid impact on their outlook regarding anti-bullying, overcoming obstacles, and being kind to others. Todd Waites was the perfect fit. He not only spoke to our students, but had their attention the entire time. His speaking skills were fantastic, and he drove his point home with the help of his amazing skills with the keyboard. I would recommend Todd to any school or organization who would like children to realize they need to be kind to each other and that with the right outlook, they can overcome any obstacle." 

"Mr. Waites presentation on bullying, attitude & perseverance was done with professional taste. Add music with the presentation and the students immediately  gravitate to the message. Add some sarcasm followed by laughter from the students with the music and the verbal presentation and you have an individual able to captivate a middle school audience of students. Well done, Mr. Waites."

"A timely and relevant message that really touched our students! Todd's message made a connection with our students lives and started school-wide conversation about bullying. ''This story has changed my life' quote from student in school newspaper article on Todd's presentation!"

"Thank you for finding Todd Waites!  He was wonderful, funny, entertaining, and his message so matches our philosophy!!! He was a perfect fit and I am so happy that he was our presenter!"

"I highly recommend having Todd come to the high school and speak. I have seen him at two separate events here in Strongsville. He spoke at an evening event put on by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was unbelievably inspiring. It was after this event that we, students and staff of Rachel's Challenge, started talking about having him come to the high school and talk with all the whole student body. It was one of the best received assemblies that I have attended here at the high school. Todd's story is heart felt, carries an anti-bullying message and inspires students to challenge themselves and go for their dreams. Todd is an amazing man with an unbelievable story. I found him to be easily approachable, easy to work with, a great storyteller and one heck of a musician!"


After speaking at an event for faculty/staff only of a large intermediate school district, the following quotes were sent:


“Todd's presentation reminds me of the respect that each student deserves.”

“Although I am always careful what or how I speak to the small children I work with. I enjoyed our speaker! His comment of how he remembers something a teacher said to him, and how it stayed with him all these years. I will be even more careful to say uplifting positive things to my kids.”

“His overcoming of the challenges in his life is a motivation for all.”

“LOVED IT !!!!”

“This was very motivational and he was a pleasure to listen to!!”

“Inspiring. It was funny with moments that had me near tears. It is always great to hear a story involving overcoming obstacles and perseverance. It was a great ending because I could have listened to him longer and wasn't looking at the time.”

“Wonderful presentation, very uplifting to start a great year.”

“Best opening day speaker ever!! Hoping to have more speakers like him in the future.”

“AMAZING, very inspirational, should be heard by all students in the county.”

“The most beneficial opening day presentation I have heard since I began working at the LISD! Thanks for having him speak and inspire us!”

“Loved, loved, loved his message. Would love for my daughter to hear him.”

“Very inspirational and a great way to start off the year!”


Reference names and contact info supplied upon request