PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Motivational speakers arrived at Burton Middle School in Porterville to help guide young students as part of its 4th annual leadership conference.
On Friday morning, students from the Burton Middle School Hype Squad cheered as over 500 students made their way into the gym for the “Lead The Way Conference.” The conference was put on with help from motivational speaking called Rise2It Productions.
“Typically, we kick it off at the start of the second semester,” said Principal Diriki Jordan. “Dr. H. and Rise2It have come out to us for the past four years, and it’s always a great message that’s inspiring – not just for the staff but also the students.”
The event started with music and Rise2It Productions giving away two $500 scholarships. Students wrote essays in hopes of winning the cash prize.
“It felt amazing that my name got called because now I can pay for my camps and my trips,” said 8th-grade student Julie Rubalcava.
This is the 10th year in business for Rise2It, which is based in central California but travels across the country inspiring students. Each time they bring a new message, scholarships, giveaways, dance competitions – and tons of energy.
”You know, the authenticity that we have, the language that we speak, the slaying, the fun, the smiles that we share with our students, they share it right back. And that’s what motivates us to do what we do,” said Dr. Jonathan Hernandez, founder of Rise2It Productions. “We have a fun time. I mean, I think we have just as much fun as the students when we’re doing dance giveaways.”
Staff, faculty, and the Rise2It Productions team hope students walk away feeling empowered and ready to take on whatever the future holds, sending one message: “If you can rise to it you can rise through it.”
