You’ve never heard a guest speaker like this! Jade covers a multitude of topics relevant to today’s school-aged populations. She incorporates humor and examples from pop culture to bring to life the issues that young people are facing. A special emphasis is given to youth suicide prevention in the middle and high school presentations and the National Institute of Mental Health has approved Jade’s approach. Her purpose is simple…to challenge young people to THINK! She asks them to develop opinions on the issues before they are faced with them. She encourages them to stand out and stand firm in a community that thrives on conformity. Finally, her goal is to dispel the image of our young people as “rebels without a cause” helping them to become revolutionaries with a purpose!

Her presentations are inspiring in the least and revolutionary at best. Since garnering the title of Miss Illinois and 1 st runner-up at Miss America 2000, Jade has been in demand as a speaker to audiences of all ages. She is known for her chameleon-like ability to relate to youth of all ages, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. In the past, students have pleaded with her to stay at their school for hours after the initial presentation and because of this, she encourages ongoing contact with students via email. Though her passion is for youth, Jade has been a frequent speaker and presenter on a national level for some of the nation’s leading organizations in youth advocacy, mental health and suicidology. Believing that our nation’s most valuable untapped resource is our young people, Jade strives to be a part of developing thoughtful, passionate youth of character.

Presentation Descriptions

No matter how serious the topic, the presentations are always inspiring and uplifting. The focus is on life and living it to the fullest! Presentations are 45 minutes in length and culminate in a Q&A period. If a piano is available, students often request for Jade to perform. Please read on for detailed descriptions of the Where Do You Stand?! Speaking Series.

Where Do You Stand?!

This is Jade’s hallmark, fast-paced presentation that deals with multiple issues concerning our youth, including: anti-drugs/alcohol, bullying, stereotypes, the influence of the media, and a special emphasis on youth suicide prevention. The prevention focus equips students with the tools to recognize depression and suicidal behavior and challenges them not to keep a deadly secret.

*Schools can request that emphasis be given to various topics and can even suggest specific issues that are not listed but are relevant to their community.

* A faith-based version of this presentation is also available

Ideal Audience: grades 6-12

Break Out of the Box!

This presentation focuses on self-esteem issues including bullying and teasing and the elimination of stereotypes. In the elementary schools, an exercise on how to respond to bullying is included. Students are challenged to be proud of their individuality and to embrace cultural diversity. In dealing with all of these issues, Jade focuses on a concept that she calls The Power of the Tongue where students are reminded about their capability to build up or to destroy with their words. This concept is especially ideal for middle school populations dealing with the effects of gossiping. Lastly, Jade challenges students to dream big and not to let the negative words of nay Sayers determine their futures.

Ideal Audience: grades 3-5, 6-8

Now What?!

Finally…a graduation speech that your students will actually remember! Covers a variety of issues significant to graduates including how to make the right life-altering decisions. Fast-paced and humorous, it’s a presentation that graduates of all ages are sure to enjoy. Why have someone come into your school and put your graduates to sleep when Jade can come and inspire your students on one of the most important and exciting days of their lives?!

Ideal Audience: Middle and High Schools

Show Me Your Faith!

Specially designed for faith-based organizations. Challenges students to always let their faith determine their path in life. They are encouraged to be bold Christians and to let their lights shine for God in school, at home, or wherever they may be. Jade also tells stories of the importance of her Christian faith during her trials and successes.

Ideal Audience: grades 3-12, church youth groups and conferences

Girl Power…Not just another cliché!

This program is wonderful for female groups ages11-18. Jade empowers young women to have confidence in who they are and faith in who they are destined to become. Honest discussion about navigating the sometimes tricky waters of being young and female is fostered. Jade challenges these powerful young ladies to determine their own paths in life by not allowing media stereotypes to create their body images, balancing beauty and brains, making healthy relationship choices, and achieving personal power in order to accomplish their goals.

*A faith-based version of this program is also available.

Ideal Audience: grades 5-12

* Special Treats: If her schedule allows, at no extra cost, Jade can stay at your school or organization and eat lunch with the students. As well, because of her background in sports and music she is always eager to attend and even participate in your schools sporting events, practices or concerts after her school presentation. The students find these extras particularly enjoyable!

Prices vary depending on group size, please contact Jademedia for further details.