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Terrance Talley, a speaker and author, delivered a presentation to students at Coal City High School on Thursday. His message to the student body was “Don’t give up.” Talley has spoken to more than 20,000 students across the country.
Talley’s talk included energy, music, and dancing as he encouraged students that they have the power to make a difference. He discussed some of the challenges faced by teenagers today and reassured them that they are not alone.
His main message was that students are seen and cared for, emphasizing that when times get tough, they should not give up because someone will always be there for support.
Talley also visited Coal City Middle School, speaking with sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students during his time in Coal City.
Coal City High School is part of Coal City Community Unit School District 1. The district serves Grundy and Will counties and includes several schools: Coal City Early Childhood Center, Coal City Elementary School, Coal City Intermediate School, Coal City Middle School, and Coal City High School (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
According to data from the Illinois State Board of Education, the district employs 153 teachers who earn an average salary of $69,297. Most teachers are women (77.9 percent), with men making up 22.1 percent; none have more than ten absences per school year (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
The student population in the district is made up primarily of White students (86.9 percent), with Hispanic (9.6 percent), Black (0.6 percent), and Asian (0.6 percent) populations represented as well (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
In 2020, spending per student in the district was $21,619 for a total expenditure of $47 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
“Don’t give up.” That was the message shared with Coal City High School students Thursday morning by speaker and author Terrance Talley, whose inspiring words have reached more than 20,000 students nationwide.
With lots of energy, music, and dancing, Talley reminded students that everyone has the power to make a difference. Drawing from his own experiences, he spoke about the challenges facing today’s teens, reassuring them that they are not alone.
His message was clear—students are seen and cared for—and when difficult times come, don’t give up—because someone will always be there to stand with them.
Tally’s visit to Coal City also included a stop at Coal City Middle School where he spoke to the school’s sixth, seventh and eighth graders.
Terrence Talley Visit Speaker and author Terrence Talley addressed students at CCHS on Aug. 21. The presentation had the staff signing and dancing.
