MONTVALE—Students at Fieldstone Middle School participated in 3 R’s Day (Respect, Reflect, and Remember Day) on Friday, May 12. This much anticipated event featured speakers from around the world who provided valuable insights and inspiration to students in grades 5–8.
Throughout the event, students were able to listen and talk with speakers about how they overcame great challenges and obstacles in their lives, bringing about positive change in the world.
Principal Michael Lauricella told Pascack Press, “It is my hope that through the accounts of people who have experienced adversity, tragedy, loneliness, and sorrow in life, and not give up, it will help students realize that they too can do the same.”
Keynote speaker was former professional wrestler and now motivational speaker Marc Mero, who said in part, “I have been blessed to accomplish many things in life, but there is no greater joy than helping and inspiring others.”
The day’s speakers included:
- Mark Barden of Sandy Hook Promise;
- Manuel Chea, a 9/11 Survivor;
- Tim Collins, on Bullying amd Cyberbullying Prevention;
- Jaclyn Corin, March For Our Lives (Parkland School Shooting);
- Daryl Davis Klan of Destine Relations;
- Danielle DeZao, Overcoming Dating Violence;
- Hashim Garrett, A victim of violence;
- Christophe Lafontant, 1 Man, 3 Hearts;
- Marc Mero, Champion of Choices and a professional wrestler;
- Haider Newmani, an Iraqi journalist;
- Colin Quinn of Changing Minds: Stories Over Stigma;
- Sandy Rubenstein, child of a Holocaust survivor;
- Dr. Joseph Sebarenzi, on Rwanda: A Message of Peace and Reconciliation;
- Richard Specht, Pay It Forward;
- Mary Kay Stratis, Pan Am Flight 103;
- Jeffrey Veatch, Losing a Son to Drug Overdose;
- Andrea Wasserman, a 9/11 survivor; and
- Richard E. Williams, an Oklahoma City Bombing survivor.
Since 2007, 3 R’s Day has been a staple of Fieldstone Middle School and has been enmeshed in the fabric of the Montvale community.
Kristen Babb parent/organizer of 3 R’s Day told Pascack Press, “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to 3 R’s Day and the impact it has had on our entire school community. Our speakers delivered thought-provoking insights, sparking conversations and igniting the passion with the students. And we are grateful for their contributions and the immense support from school staff, sponsors and parent volunteers.”
The speakers provided valuable takeaways about how to overcome obstacles, set goals, stand up for others, make good decisions, understand the dangers of conflict, and much more.
The day concluded with Richard Specht sharing how he had lost his 22-month-old son to a drowning accident. After he lost his son, Richard’s neighbors performed little acts of kindness that inspired him to do the same. He began a “pay it forward” movement that has now impacted millions of people from all walks of life and all parts of the world.
Assistant principal Courtney Risoli said that “Mr. Specht’s message is already making a difference as we are seeing little acts of kindness taking place around school since last Friday’s program.”