| Testimonials
Selected testimonials are arranged by categories.
National Professional Conferences
National Youth Conferences
Student Assistance Professionals
State Abstinence Conference
Principals/Superintendents
Teacher Preparation
Student Presentations
School Counselors
School Nurse
Medical Professional Training
Legal Professional Training
Faith Community
Government
Native American
Parents
National
Professional Conferences
National Association of School Resource Officers
“Your topic, The Power of One, was a powerful message to the
1000 school resource officers and school administrators in attendance.
I heard many positive comments including, ‘He was the best speaker
I ever heard,’ and enjoyed watching the audience participation and
reaction after you received a standing ovation and participants waited
up to half an hour to talk to you, with many giving you enthusiastic
handshakes and hugs."
John Kontour, President
View letter
American Red Cross National Convention
“Thank you for the excellent presentation at our American Red
Cross National Convention. You were the highest rated Guest Speaker by
the delegates on their evaluations. I got goose bumps on the ovation the
delegates gave you after your presentation.”
John Gareis, Chairman, Program Activities
View letter
National Association of Homeless Children and Youth
"His message of “The Power of One to Change the Future-Doing
the Right Thing Right Now!” is a clear, strong, and inspirational
message for youth and adults. I am pleased to recommend Dr. Sroka to any
organization that seeks a dynamic, candid speaker or presenter who can
address any group on this challenging subject matter.”
Barbara James, President
View letter
Manitoba (Canada) Association of Secondary Teachers of At-Risk
Students
"This was perhaps the best SAG (Special Area Group) conference
I have ever attended, a truly excellent speaker. Rejuvenating! Energetic!
Humorous! Educational! Perhaps North America's top health educator was
the star of MASTARS 5th SAG Conference and the rave reviews are in. Dr.
Steven Sroka wowed the crowd with his motivating and informative talk
on At Risk Adolescents. Dr. Sroka's program, 'The Power of One,' focuses
on helping teens recapture their lives through peace, love, prayer, and
abstinence. Pointing to a media culture of labels, sports idols, physical
appearance, and promotion of unhealthy lifestyles, Dr. Sroka quickly showcased
the obstacles teens face in a poignant and exuberant way. Remarked one
delegate, 'Not only will I use this in the classroom, but in my personal
life.' Dr. Sroka had us all engaged in discussion long after we were dismissed."
Newsletter
Challenging Learners With Untapped Potentials Formerly Students
At-Risk Conference, National School Conference Institute
"Among a host of good speakers, he is the most informative and
inspirational."
Participant
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2006
“Your presentation made the whole conference worth it.”
Melissa Byington, Assistant Principal
Millard Public Schools
Omaha, Nebraska
“I heard you speak 9 years ago, and I have never forgotten the
message. You made a huge impression. I have heard a million speakers,
but I still remember you.”
Veronica Durie
The Haven
Women in Recovery
Tucson, Arizona
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National Youth Conferences
Youth To Youth International
“Many can master the knowledge base of any topic and be a learned
resource via books and articles; few can also so effectively and uniquely
communicate to a broad and diverse audience such complex information
and make the recipient feel as if they were having a private one-to-one
conversation. It is near magic to watch the intensity of the audience’s attention
and absorption of the information. Stephen is a master of his profession
among his peers. With the difficulty of the topics he handles, I’ve
never seen anyone else be that universally effective.”
Robert Sweet,
President and Founder View
letter
Custer County District High School, Miles City, Montana
“His presentation was very well received by the Montana Association
of Student Councils’ advisors and almost 600 students attending the
Leadership conference. His message focused on issues that are real to students
in today’s society and was presented in a manner which literally
had the students “eating out of his hand."
Fred Anderson, Ph.D.,
Principal View
letter
PRIDE Youth Programs, Safe & Drug Free Youth
“Dr. Sroka presented a keynote, The Power of One,
and four workshops. He was always pleasant and courteous to work with
and made sure that all of his messages were appropriate to his audiences
and followed along with our conference theme. Youth comments included, "Dr.
Steve was amazing." It was an honor and pleasure to work with Dr.
Sroka. I would highly recommend him for both adult and youth audiences
in any setting.”
Kim Johnson, Youth Director View
letter
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Student Assistance Professionals
Pennsylvania Association of Student Assistance Professionals
“Dr. Sroka’s presentations are lively, but informative, entertaining,
but instructive. When it comes to dealing with teenage at-risk behavior,
Dr. Sroka knows his "stuff” and presents it in a manner that
will captivate your audience. I’ve never seen anyone work
an audience quite like Dr. Sroka. He is a master presenter. You
could not do better than Dr. Sroka for a conference presenter.
He is truly one of a kind. You and your conference will be better
for having him.”
Jeff
Holter, Board of Directors View
letter
State Abstinence Conference
Georgia Department of Human Resources' Georgians Promoting Abstinence:
A Community Collaborative
"All of the participants enjoyed your keynote address, 'The Power
of One.' People left the presentation motivated to create abstinence
programs, but more important, to help youth live up to their potential.
All who attended praised your additional two-hour breakout session, 'The
M&M's of Abstinence
Education." Your talent and gift for working with youth is evident
in all that you do. Your presence continued to inspire participants."
Dr.
Anne Hicks-Coolick, Conference Coordinator View
letter
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Principals/Superintendents
Lawrence Township School District, Indianapolis, Indiana (Awarded National
School District of Character)
“Dr. Steve, you are the students’ and parents' "Dr.
Phil."
Dr.
Duane Hodgin, Assistant Superintendent View
letter
Austintown Local Schools, Youngstown, Ohio
"One of most impressive aspects of your stay here
was the eighteen presentations in three days to groups ranging from staff
and parents , to first and second graders. It was a pleasure to see a true
professional adjust the presentations to be age appropriate for each presentation.
If I can ever be of any help to you please feel free to contact me
and, by all means, feel free to use me as a reference for other districts
that may be considering your services."
Richard E. Denamen, Superintendent View
letter
Bethel Regional High School, Bethel, Alaska
“I’m writing this recognition for a gentleman who is making
a positive impact regarding student health issues in our country. He knows
how to ‘speak their language’ and enables students
to become active learners. Having been a principal for 16 years,
I have had the opportunity to acquire the service and view a variety
of presenters in school settings. Dr. Stephen Sroka stands out
among them as the top in his field.”
Ron
Magee, Principal View
letter
West Geauga High School, Chesterland, Ohio
“ I hope that the reaction of our parents, who
almost refused to let you leave that evening, was an indication of how well
you received by our parents. According to many of our most dedicated parents,
yours was the finest, most valuable and timely program ever presented. I
echo these remarks.”
Joseph Mueller, Principal View
letter
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Teacher Preparation
California Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment
“The diversity of his background and the wide
array of his experiences with children allow him to stand in front of a
group of educators and immediately elicit their respect. I would never
hesitate to give my highest recommendation of Dr. Sroka. His humor, presentation
style, and his sincerity combine to make him remarkable and unforgettable.
I believe that all educators deserve the opportunity to hear Dr. Sroka
and to experience first hand the powerful message he shares.”
Cindy Douglas, Professional
Development Consultant View
letter
Oklahoma State Department of Education
“You lifted us us and dusted us off and through the bond of “teacher” you
reached out and took the hands and hearts of your classroom colleagues.
As teachers, we know when we are in the presence of a master.
We are proud to have touched shoulders with you.”
Jan Richter, Coordinator
View
letter
Cleveland, Ohio Public Schools
"Best workshop ever in 30 years of
teaching."
Teacher
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Student Presentations
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
“I can’t put it into enough words how much you helped
change my attitude and outlook on guys and sex. I want to have you as
my teacher forever. I wanted to let you know that at least you changed
one person’s
life.”
High school student View
letter
PRIDE Youth Safe and Drug Free Conference
“Dr. Sroka combined current teenage problems with humor to
provide a great motivational presentation. It was very interesting! I
came out ‘laughing’ with
a better understanding of life. Bring him back next year and
give him more time to talk.’”
Student
Carlsbad, California
"The first assembly I didn't fall asleep."
Student, La Costa
Canyon High School
School Counselors
Savannah, Georgia
“Many of the students asked if we could have
car washes on Saturdays to raise money for you to come back.”
Selma Bernard,
Guidance Counselor, Oglethorpe Academy View
letter
Naples, Florida
"Many thanks for coming to Saint John Neumann
and talking to our students and parents about the 'Power or One.' You
captivated the students by your fast paced style and overhead information
based on sex, drugs, alcohol and violence and our youth. I was especially
grateful that you stressed how important it is for them to respect themselves.
Your style put them at ease with the subjects. Students have told me
that it is the best presentation they ever had. It was an honor to work
with you and I would highly recommend you for future talks to students
and adults."
Joyce
F. Hojnacki, Director of Guidance, St. John Neumann High School View
letter
School Nurse
Sebring, Ohio
"What a positive impact you have made on our students at Sebring McKinley
High School! Your message hit home for our students from every type
of background. The kids said it best, “Finally, someone
who knows where we are coming from and talks to us on our level.”
Melanie
Stelts, R.N., School Nurse View
letter
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Medical Professional Training
School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
“I know that several of the physicians had conflicts with timing
and needed to leave early, but no one left. This is truly the mark
of an excellent speaker who is presenting a relevant message in a way that
can be heard. In the 25 years that I have been on the faculty, you remain “the
best speaker I invite” and department members request
that you be invited back for more lectures.”
Dr. Antoinette
Graham, Professor of Family and Adolescent Medicine View
letter
Tod Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio
"The response to his Grand Rounds was overwhelming.
Comments included, 'One of the best lectures I have attended. Outstanding
speaker- This is exactly what I needed for my practice. Great program. Bring
Dr. Sroka back.' I would have no hesitation in recommending him to speak to any
medical institution to the medical, nursing, and allied health
staff."
Dr.
Manual Spirtos, Attending Physician, Grand Rounds Committee,
Chairman View
letter
Legal Professional Training
Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff, LLP,
Cleveland, Ohio
"Thank you for your humorous, informative, and
thought-provoking presentation at the Ethics and Substance Abuse seminar.
Comments included: 'He's fantastic, good audience rapport. Dr. Sroka deserved
more time-he has a great message.’"
Maria Murphy, Media and
Event Coordinator View
letter
Association of Legal Administrators
"These are comments from our regional conference:
Excellent! Handouts terrific. His presentation was much different than what
I expected, but more valuable than what I expected in the presented format.
Recommend for National Conference."
Madeline Parisi, Assistant
Director of Professional Development
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Faith Community
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Wolf Point, Montana
"Dr. Sroka made presentations to the primary,
intermediate, junior high, and high school classes, relating an age appropriate
message of abstinence to sex, drugs and violence. I observed a deep sense
of caring in how he communicated with the youth, both in front of the large
group, and whenever he came in contact with a youth individually. Dr. Sroka
is dedicated to educating youth so that they can and
will make healthier choices."
Linda
Johnson, Parish Minister View
letter
Saint Mel Catholic Church School, Cleveland, Ohio
"The information you gave to these young adults
is sorely needed in today's society with so many conflicting messages.
Speaking to them on more of an adult level, infusing your message with
traditional Catholic values and respect for self should certainly enable
them to utilize this information in their everyday lives." View
letter
Patricia Kelly, Principal
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Government
Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive Office of the President
of the United States
“Your expertise on youth marijuana
use played a key part in helping us educate the media and
parents about the risks posed by the drug to our youth.”
Sarah Kayson, Special Assistant View
letter
United States Department of State
"I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Stephen Sroka
at the Annual Conference of the Association Schools in Mexico, Central
America, Columbia and the Caribbean. His keynote was especially thought
provoking and was direct yet sensitive to the multi-cultural group. He
spoke of important issues including violence and discrimination in schools,
and provided practical solutions and alternatives that educators could
use. The loud and sounding applause that was received at the end of his
talk confirmed the timeliness and importance of the issues he addressed."
William
Scott, Regional Education Officer View
letter
Native American
Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
"The Michigan Indian Tribes greatly appreciated
your being part of this meeting which met many of the needs of our Native
American youth. We hope to see you again very soon."
Rick
Haverkate, Health Education Consultant View
letter
White Earth Reservation Tribal Council, White Earth, Minnesota
"It is my pleasure to write and thank you
for your inspirational and educational presentations in White Earth.
You are a gifted and dynamic speaker, keep it up!"
LaRaye Anderson, Health Educator View
letter
Portland Area Indian Health Service, Portland, Oregon
"The evaluations of the nurses who attended
the seminar indicated that your presentation was the most relevant and
helpful of all the presentations during the three day conference. Of
fourteen speakers, you were the only one who unanimously received the
maximum rating in 'speaker's knowledge of subject.' The only complaint
that I am aware of is that we did not schedule enough time with you.
I was especially impressed with your emphasis on culturally relevant
information relating to American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
We were fortunate to have you as our keynote speaker."
Dr.
Michael Hess, AIDS Coordinator View
letter
Parents
Lakewood, Ohio
"I can't remember ever seeing an audience
that was so totally spellbound by a speaker. Dr. Sroka's message is a
serious one, but he delivers it with humor, and he is an absolute goldmine
of information."
Paula
Reed, President, Lakewood Preschool PTA
Cleveland, Ohio
"I wish that I heard you speak when I was
in high school. I'm sure I wouldn't have been a teenage mom or abused
by the father of my baby. I want you to know you are doing great work,
and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Parent
Orlando, Florida
"Everyone needs a voice. Everyone doesn't
have the courage to speak. Thank you for embracing our children to make
this America, their America. Thank you for being an American Hero."
Cindy
Whitmore View
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