TOUR JOURNAL
Motivational Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés in Kermit, TX
“We loved hearing your message last week… so much that I created a bulletin board that hangs in the hallway outside of my office. Every middle school student’s name is listed because I feel that we are all ‘all stars.’ Just wanted to share that you and your message left a lasting impression on us. Thank you for being you and for sharing your words of encouragement.”
A Student Book That Parents and Educators Love
Motivational Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés in Kermit, TX
Pull up a chair and grab a refill, because I have to tell you about the time I turned a West Texas gym into a high-stakes sports broadcast—and watched 600 students realize they were the “All-Stars” the world has been waiting for. If you think a school assembly program is just about sitting still and listening, you haven’t seen the I’m Possible presentation in action!
When “Impossible” Feels Like a Fact
Let’s be real for a second. We’ve all been there—that moment where you stumble, you mess up, or you straight-up face-plant. For a kindergartner or a fifth grader, those moments don’t just feel like mistakes; they feel like the end of the road.
The struggle I see in schools across the country is that while we teach math and reading, we often miss the “inner software” of social emotional learning. Without the right tools, students start to believe that “impossible” is a permanent state. They hit a setback and their brain tells them to quit. The challenge for educators is: How do we build that “bounce-back” muscle before the setbacks of life start to weigh them down? How do we make social emotional learning feel less like a lecture and more like an adventure?
The Grit Squad SEL Character Coaches
That is exactly why I brought the I’m Possible Assembly Programs featuring the Grit Squad to Kermit Elementary School in Texas. This isn’t your typical sit-and-listen event; it’s a full-blown, high-energy speaker experience.
We transformed the assembly into a live broadcast of GSPN (Grit Squad Programming Network). Imagine the energy of a sports network, but focused entirely on character and heart! Through fun skits, live storytelling, and our “Character Coaches” appearing on-screen—like Barker the Broadcasting Beagle and Bounce-Back Bunny—we made big ideas about developing resilience simple and unforgettable.
I challenged these 600 K-5th graders to do “hard things” and recognize the massive potential sitting inside them. My message was simple: When you stumble or fail, you get back up and you chase those EPIC dreams. By using humor and heart, the Grit Squad shows students how to believe in their own “awesomeness” and say “I’m Possible” even when things feel hard.
But we didn’t stop at the talking. We made the message tangible. I handed out our brand-new Grit Squad SEL Trading Cards. These aren’t just pieces of paper; they are a gamified tool that turns classroom culture into a high-performance dugout. They transform abstract SEL concepts into a collectible adventure that kids actually want to earn.
“I’m Full of Possibility!”
The impact of a high-energy speaker is best measured by the smiles on the way out and the stories that stick. By the end of our time together, the gym was buzzing. Students weren’t just leaving; they were high-fiving, giving hugs, and shouting out their dreams of becoming doctors, athletes, and artists.
We had two absolute legends help me out on stage: Beau, a kindergartner, and Johnny, a 4th grader. They helped me share my childhood dream of becoming a pro baseball player for the New York Yankees. Both of these guys were awarded the “Dream Chaser” Grit Squad SEL card for embodying that relentless “I can, I will!” mindset. Seeing the pride on their faces when they held those cards? That’s where the magic happens.
By focusing on a dedicated social emotional learning program, we saw the students:
-
Develop Resilience: Learning that a face-plant is just a setup for a comeback.
-
Boost Confidence: Gaining the belief that they are worthy of their biggest dreams.
-
Embrace a Growth Mindset: Cultivating the inner strength to view obstacles as opportunities for growth.
-
Unlock Potential: Discovering that they aren’t just students—they are full of possibility.
A Huge Thank You to Kermit, TX!
A massive, “Grit Squad” sized thank you to the leadership at Kermit Elementary for the incredible invitation and hospitality. A special shout-out to Claudia Awbrey (Counselor) and Maria del Carmen Garcia (Counselor) for your amazing coordination. And thank you to Michelle Bright (Principal) and Marle Reynolds (AP) for prioritizing the emotional well-being and resilience of your students. You are building world-changers in West Texas!
To all the students at Kermit Elementary—keep being relentless, keep being brave, and remember: Impossible is just I’M POSSIBLE!
Invite Top Youth Motivational Speaker Eddie Cortés to Texas Schools
If these stories resonate with you, and you’re looking for a school assembly program that goes beyond a simple lecture to create real, lasting impact, I would be honored to talk.
Let’s discuss how we can bring a message of resilience and possibility to your students: call (800) 799-1460 between 8 AM-5 PM CT from Monday-Friday.
Eddie’s School Assembly Program Tour Dates
2025-2026 TOUR DATES
- Aug 1 – Stockton, CA
- Aug 15 – Fort Defiance, AZ
- Aug 15 – Fort Defiance, AZ
- Aug 18 – Saint Cloud, FL
- Aug 25 – Sylvania, OH
- Aug 27 – Lake Crystal, MN
- Sept. 4 – Luray, VA
- Sept. 4 – Luray, VA
- Sept. 4 – Rileyville, VA
- Sept. 5 – Shenandoah, VA
- Sept. 5 – Stanley, VA
- Sept. 20 – Pittsburg, CA
- Sept. 30 – Las Vegas, NV
- Oct. 6 – Hardwick, MA
- Oct. 8 – Stanhope, NJ
- Oct. 8 – Stanhope, NJ
- Oct. 9 – Eastchester, NY
- Oct. 10 – Brooklyn, NY
- Oct. 10 – Brooklyn, NY
- Oct. 10 – Brooklyn, NY
- Oct. 14 – Clovis, NM
- Oct. 21 – Newark, DE
- Oct. 22 – Florence, KY
- Oct. 27 – Poughkeepsie, NY
- Oct. 28 – Queens, NY
- Oct. 29 – Las Cruces, NM
- Dec. 5 – Adelanto, CA
- Jan. 8 – Puerto Vallarta, MX
- Jan. 9 – Puerto Vallarta, MX
- Jan. 10 – Puerto Vallarta, MX
- Jan. 11 – Puerto Vallarta, MX
- Jan. 13 – Mobile, AL
- Jan. 15 – Minneapolis, MN
- Jan. 15 – Minneapolis, MN
- Jan. 15 – Fridley, MN
- Jan. 15 – Minneapolis, MN
- Jan. 22 – Porterville, CA
- Jan. 26 – Waterford, CA
- Jan. 26 – Waterford, CA
- Jan. 26 – Waterford, CA
- Jan. 29 – Grand Blanc, MI
- Feb. 2 – Kermit, TX
- Feb. 3 – Coppell, TX
- Feb. 11 – Sudbury, MA
- Feb. 12 – Egg Harbor Township, NJ
- Feb. 18 – Denair, CA
- Feb. 24 – Los Gatos, CA
- Mar. 5 – Trout Lake, WA
- Mar. 6 – Albuquerque, NM
- Mar. 9 – Little Silver, NJ
- Mar. 9 – Little Silver, NJ
- Mar. 11 – Franklin, MA
- Mar. 13 – Melbourne, FL
- Mar. 14 – Melbourne, FL
- Mar. 16 – Andover, MA
- Mar. 17 – Chula Vista, CA
- Mar. 18 – San Lorenzo, CA
- Mar. 20 – Houston, TX
- Mar. 25 – Severn, MD
- Mar. 26 – Reading, PA
- Mar. 31 – Turlock, CA
- Apr 7 – Strasburg, CO
- Apr 7 – Strasburg, CO
- Apr 14 – Tulare, CA
- Apr. 17 – Mays Landing, NJ
- May 7 – Socorro, NM
- Jun 8 – Fort Lee, NJ
2024-2025 TOUR DATES
- Aug 29 – Mansfield, CT
- Aug 29 – Willington, CT
- Sept 9 – Grand Prairie, TX
- Sept 12 – Fresno, CA
- Sept 16 – Danbury, CT
- Sept 17 – Waterbury, CT
- Sept 17 – Waterbury, CT
- Sept 18 – Phillipsburg, NJ
- Sept 19 – Waterbury, CT
- Sept 20 – Woonsocket, RI
- Sept 23 – Elk Grove, CA
- Sept 24 – Elk Grove, CA
- Sept 26 – Somerville, NJ
- Oct 2 – Rancho Cordova, CA
- Oct 4 – Rochester, NY
- Oct 8 – Rancho Cordova, CA
- Oct 9 – Idyllwild, CA
- Oct. 29 – Norfolk, VA
- Oct 30 – Medford, MA
- Oct 31 – Hoover, AL
- Nov 4 – Lewistown, IL
- Nov 4 – Cuba, IL
- Nov 15 – Kissimmee, FL
- Nov. 25 – Rutherford, NJ
- Jan 6 – Tinley Park, IL
- Jan 7 – Houston, TX
- Jan 9 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Jan 10 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Jan 11 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Jan 12 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Jan 13 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 13 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 14 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 15 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 16 – Waukegan, IL
- Jan 24 – Escondido, CA
- Jan 28 – Racine, WI
- Jan 29 – Cypress, TX
- Feb 20 – Bedford, NH
- Feb 24 – Berlin, MD
- Feb 25 – Mount Laurel, NJ
- Feb 28 – Parkville, MO
- Mar 5 – Hilton Head Island, SC
- Mar 6 – Burns, OR
- Mar 10 – Lovelock, NV
- Mar 13 – Falls Church, VA
- Mar 18 – Tabor, IA
- Mar 20 – Panorama City, CA
- Mar 24 – El Monte, CA
- Mar 27 – Elsa, TX
- Mar 31 – San Antonio, TX
- Apr 2 – Newark, NJ
- Apr 2 – Newark, NJ
- Apr 7 – Georgetown, TX
- Apr 22 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 22 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 23 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 23 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 24 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 24 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 24 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 25 – Centreville, MD
- Apr 25 – Centreville, MD
- May 9 – Clarksburg, MD
- May 15 – Hamilton Square, NJ
- May 19 – Barbourville, KY
- May 21 – Maynard, MA
- May 22 – New York, NY
- May 23 – Briarcliff Manor, NY
- Jun 2 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 2 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 3 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 3 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 5 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 5 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 6 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 6 – Newark, NJ
- Jun 11 – New Port Richey, FL
- Jun 17 – Kingsburg, CA
- July 9 – Middlesboro, KY
- July 10 – Middlesboro, KY
- July 11 – Middlesboro, KY
- Jul 14 – Charleston, IL
- Jul 14 – Charleston, IL
- Jul 16 – Middlesboro, KY
- Jul 17 – Middlesboro, KY
2023-2024 SCHOOL ASSEMBLY PROGRAM TOUR DATES
- Aug. 8 – Stafford, VA
- Aug. 8 – Stafford, VA
- Aug. 8 – Stafford, VA
- Aug. 21 – Boaz, AL
- Sept. 1 – Plant City, FL
- Sept. 7 – Fabens, TX
- Sept. 7 – Fabens, TX
- Sept. 11 – Dover, FL
- Sept. 26 – Albuquerque, NM
- Sept. 26 – Rio Rancho, NM
- Sept. 27 – Albuquerque, NM
- Oct. 16 – East Wenatchee, WA
- Oct. 17 – East Wenatchee, WA
- Oct. 17 – East Wenatchee, WA
- Oct. 18 – Rock Island, WA
- Oct. 18 – East Wenatchee, WA
- Oct. 19 – East Wenatchee, WA
- Oct. 19 – East Wenatchee, WA
- Oct. 20 – East Wenatchee, WA
- Nov. 6 – Newcastle, CA
- Nov. 6 – Sacramental, CA
- Nov. 7 – Sacramental, CA
- Nov. 7 – Gridley, CA
- Nov. 17 – Stirling, NJ
- Dec. 11 – Sebring, FL
- Dec. 15 – Fort Collins, CO
- Dec. 15 – Fort Collins, CO
- Dec. 18 – Holmdel, NJ
- Jan. 24 – Auburn, CA
- Jan. 25 – Natomas, CA
- Jan. 26 – Forest Hill, CA
- Jan. 26 – Elk Grove, CA
- Feb. 26 – Walkersville, MD
- Feb. 29 – Waukegan, IL
- March 1 – Geneva, IL
- March 6 – Haymarket, VA
- March 7 – Manassas, VA
- March 7 – Woodbridge, VA
- March 15 – Lawrence, NJ
- March 18 – Philadelphia, PA
- March 19 – Sicklerville NJ
- March 20 – Phillipsburg, NJ
- March 26 – Rankin, TX
- April 10 – Baltimore, MD
- April 11 – Long Branch, NJ
- April 19 – Clemson, SC
- April 25 – Santa Rosa, NM
- April 30 – Centreville, MD
- May 9 – Frederick, MD
- May 16 – Waukegan, IL
- June 14 – Lake Placid, FL
Invite Eddie Cortés to be a guest speaker at your elementary or middle school. Click here or email info@eddiecortes.com to schedule a conversation to learn more about his school assembly program.
ABOUT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
In his fun and interactive presentation titled “I’M POSSIBLE,” youth motivational speaker Eddie Cortés will help students realize that they are not defined by their limitations but by their potential. He uses humor, thought-provoking stories, and object lessons to teach elementary and middle school students to build resilience. Eddie empowers them to do hard things and chase their dreams.
Click here or call Top Youth Speakers at (800) 799-1460 between 8 AM-5 PM CT from Monday-Friday to invite Eddie Cortés to be a guest speaker at your next school assembly.
EDDIE CORTÉS
Top Youth Motivational Speaker in TX
ABOUT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER EDDIE CORTÉS
With over 20 years of experience, Eddie Cortés is regarded as one of the most engaging elementary and middle school speakers in the youth market. His mission is to empower students to build resilience and a positive self-worth. This mission is personal. As a middle schooler, Eddie stopped believing in himself. In fact, his negative self-view impacted his grades, relationships, choices, and ultimately his dreams. This experience is what fuels Eddie’s mission. He wants every elementary and middle school student to know that they are worthy of their dreams and have the tools to chase them.
To learn more about Top Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés click here.
Follow Eddie Cortés on social: Instagram | Facebook | Linked In
© 2020 Emerging Students | PRIVACY POLICY