Our students are unique, resourceful, intelligent, imaginative, and able, and we need to strive to provide opportunities for them to use their gifts, talents, and abilities, and develop their voices to flourish. Because students spend so much time in school, our school supports the Stones presentation by Ragamuffin Theater & Company to help guide them in this journey. The presentation offers a critically important opportunity to ensure that students get the support and help they need to reach their full potential. The group came to our high school five years ago when I was a teacher and now as principal, I see the assembly has evolved and improved with a 60-90 minute followup breakout session that empowers our young ladies to be the best version of themselves.

The Stones program is an essential component to bring restoration and healing to teens in today’s culture. The presentation encourages honesty and openness yet due to the anonymous nature of sharing, provides safety for participants who might feel vulnerable to the judgement of others. In addition to their assembly and perhaps more importantly, the breakout sessions teach empathy for others - a rare commodity in today’s society.

Unlike other speakers who talk at the kids, you allowed them the experience of defining for themselves what each of their individual stones were and it was extremely effective!

I have been throwing stones away ever since the assembly. I have turned my life around and am making a bridge, thanks to you. Thank you for opening another world to me that is a lot better. I really can't say how much I appreciate how much this has helped me.

Stones is an engaging and interactive program for students. This was our second time in 5 years to invite the Stones team to our school. They are a professional production team who pair effective modes of communication with a relevant message. Students were engaged from beginning to end because their hearts were touched by the dances, dramas, films, music, and talks presented. The Stones program opened up great communication with our students and gave us a segue to follow-up with a Stones discussion guide and DVD allowing lunchtime conversations. Additionally, we designed a showcase in our building to highlight the takeaway message from the Stones program.

The Stones Outreach is a much needed light in these dark and confusing times for our young people today. It provokes positive empowerment and secure identity that sets them up for greater success in life.

I came as a parent simply to observe the Stones presentation. My heart was so touched by the brilliantly creative way of exposing and addressing the stones in our lives, and then utilizing those stones to bridge the gap between despair and hope. I walked away challenged and enlightened but also moved into action as a result of it's powerful content.

I just want to say thank you!! Ever since you came to my school in Hillsdale not only has my life been impacted but I use what I learned from the presentation to help other girls realize that they are precious and they can make an impact!!! Just today I told a girl on Instagram about Adamas and what stones has taught me because she felt worthless and like her life had no meaning and now we are starting to become friends!! So again I just want to say thank you!!!

While I was in that auditorium, I broke down. Once I started crying, I couldn't stop. I didn't care what anyone thought. During the drama of the girl who wanted to commit suicide, I was thinking, I'm so glad I told someone, I'm so glad I'm here. I didn't think that all of us girls in Boyne would be changed, but we all were. I tore down that wall, I threw those stones away, I became me again. I got friends back. I didn't want the 2 hours to end. So thank you for make me, me again and for assuring me that I'm not alone and I can do it. You changed my life this morning.