Reviews of Landon Ballard’s Presentations
Landon Ballard spoke with the Morrison High School students and staff on April 25, 2023. MHS had previously hosted the MWAH! Performing Arts Troupe years ago and eagerly welcomed them back for an encore performance. They did not disappoint. Landon’s presentation was thoroughly presented and related extremely well to our students. By combining humor, examples, and an informal but highly focused presentation, he shared his story and gave the audience immediate useful take-aways. True learning took place! Our students and staff left feeling excited and motivated. I would highly recommend Mr. Ballard and the MWAH! Troupe as a speaker/presenter for future programs.
-Mr. Cory Bielema, Principal, Morrison High School (Morrison, IL)
Bureau Valley High School Principal Duane Price welcomed Landon and Amaria Ballard to Bureau Valley High School for four assemblies to students on March 16. Landon and Amaria are pictured with their children, Bea and Alivia, and their dog, Blue.
Landon Visits Paw Paw Junior/Senior High School
As a superintendent and principal I was a little worried about having a young man, I had never met or heard speak, come in and talk to our junior high students about his story of trauma and recovery. It wasn’t long into his message however that I realized this would be a great experience for our students. As Landon began his story our students were chatty and distracted but within a very short time the room was silent and all students were engaged and focused on his story and message. Having his wife Amaria also talk and share her story was very powerful as well for our students. Hearing two different stories allowed our students to feel connected to Landon and Amaria. We were not able to participate in the small group or parent sessions, however I can only imagine they would have been just as powerful, if not more so. Thank you Landon and Amaria for taking time to come to Paw Paw and speak to our junior high students. Your openness and vulnerability will have a lasting impact on our student body.
Jennifer Warrenfeltz, Superintendent/Principal, Paw Paw CUSD #271
Social Worker Stephanie White’s feedback on a presentation by Landon and Amaria Ballard on April 28, 2022, at the Chana Education Center, an alternative school in Chana, Illinois, in Ogle County, west of Rochelle, that supports the academic, emotional, and behavioral needs of students in grades 6-12 within Ogle and Lee Counties:
‘At Chana we focus on social emotional learning (SEL). Without a stable emotional state, academics and learning are not possible. We work every day to help our students find the best versions of themselves, despite all the barriers and hurdles that are constantly thrown at them.
As we watch our students struggle day in and day out, it was encouraging to hear Landon and Amaria speak about their own personal trials and tribulations and to know that students, like them, can emerge from the other side of their personal battles and be stronger adults ready to take on the next chapter in their book of life.
I watched the faces of our students, and they were listening. They were engaged from the start. Never have I heard such silence from our student body during a presentation.
Landon and Amaria both did a terrific job of relating their stories to similar stories involving our students and encouraging them to keep trying and taking it step by step to overcome theirown personal demons in their efforts to find their own successes.
Thank you for coming.
We look forward to meeting with you again soon.’
Among the student responses from a feedback survey were the following:
‘Taking it step by step was powerful.’
‘Stay on the right track. It takes a lot to do what you’ve done.’
‘Best presentation ever!’
‘Y’all literally inspired me.’
‘Addiction is like digging a hole for yourself.’
‘You guys are strong and amazing.’
‘I most remember Landon’s saying that he didn’t think he’d be in the position he was in.’
‘I could really connect to what Amaria said because her mom passed away a couple of years before my mom did.’
‘I most remember how some drugs can ruin your life.’
‘They both were amazing! They should come back.’