Schools

Actor David Harrell Motivates, Inspires Students At Jefferson School

The awe-inspiring life story of challenge, motivation, perseverance and, ultimately, self-realization was a message that people of all ages could relate to.

Actor and writer David Harrell stopped by Jefferson Elementary School recently for two performances that students won't soon forget. 

Harrell was born without his right hand. On Dec. 11, he performed “The Boy That Would Be Captain Hook” and “A Little Potato and Hard to Peel,” which offered the message of how to face obstacles with humor. 

The awe-inspiring life story of challenge, motivation, perseverance and, ultimately, self-realization was a message that people of all ages could relate to. 

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“David’s charismatic delivery kept the students actively engaged and entertained while his creativity allowed the children to remain focused and emotionally vested in the performance,” said Jefferson School Principal Tim Ayers.

David’s show was filled with personal anecdotes about his unconventional experience growing up with only one hand, but students learned more than just what it is like to live with a disability: they learned about the universal experience of overcoming any obstacle.

Find out what's happening in Caldwellswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Pictured above, front row from left to right, are Ian Flanagan, Nicholas Tamimi, Matt Casale, Hayden Levine, Maryellen Kane, Brianna Haden, Aiden Dickson, Erin McCann, and Gilad Shifrin; in the rear row are Jefferson School Principal Tim Ayers and speaker David Harrell.


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