"You are the CEO of your life," proclaimed Motivational Speaker and fellow West Virginian Morris Morrison to his captive audience, the nearly 700 students of Robert C. Byrd High School, during a back-to-school presentation held at the Robinson Grand on Thursday afternoon.
Morrison, husband, father, friend, international speaker and WVU alumnus, shared a message of positivity and endurance to the students, amid the daily struggles of teenagers throughout Harrison County. His "Hope for Harrison" program is designed to encourage individuals to live by 3 basic rules: Never allow yourself to be a victim, take ownership of your actions, and don't expect anything to be given to you that you have not earned.
Sophomore Sophie Freedman said, "I liked it because it was uplifting. He was interesting and made us think of things that are important to our futures." Sophomore Khloe Hazuka added, "He put our lives in perspective and made us aware that other people may be going through difficult times." Morrison encouraged the students to respect and value their teachers, families and friends, and to surround themselves with people who love them. He reminded them that they are the "future of Harrison County" and the hope for a better Clarksburg.