TOUR JOURNAL
Motivational Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés in Coppell, TX
“Eddie Cortés is a dynamic speaker!”
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Motivational Youth Speaker Eddie Cortés in Coppell, TX
Have you ever stood in the middle of a room and felt 700 voices hit you like a wave of pure lightning? That was my Tuesday in Coppell, TX. I walked into Richard J. Lee Elementary expecting an assembly, but what I found was a stadium-sized movement of students ready to prove that the word “impossible” has no place in their hallways.
But that kind of energy doesn’t happen by accident—it starts with addressing the quiet moments of doubt.
The Invisible “I Can’t” Barrier
We’ve all seen it—that moment a student hits a wall. Maybe it’s a math problem that won’t click, a friendship that hits a snag, or a “face-plant” on the playground. For a lot of kids, their initial instinct isn’t to pivot; it’s to retreat.
When kids don’t have a framework for developing resilience, they start to view obstacles as stop signs rather than stepping stones. They stumble, and suddenly, “impossible” feels like a permanent label. The challenge: How do kids replace that “I can’t” mindset with a relentless “I’M POSSIBLE” spirit before they stop dreaming?
A High-Energy Speaker Meets GSPN
That’s exactly where I come in as a high-energy youth motivational speaker with a mission to help students become resilient dream chasers. At Richard J. Lee Elementary, we didn’t just give a speech; we launched a fun, empowering experience with the I’m Possible school assembly program.
Imagine 700 K-5th graders amped with excitement as we brought social emotional learning to life through humor, live storytelling, and our on-screen “Character Coaches” the Grit Squad. We’re talking about Barker the Broadcasting Beagle and Bounce-Back Bunny—characters that make abstract concepts like “perseverance” feel like a tangible game plan.
I challenged these students to do “hard things.” I shared the honest truth: you will stumble. You will mess up. You might even fail. But the magic happens when you get back up. By using the Grit Squad, we showed them that their “awesomeness” isn’t tied to being perfect—it’s tied to being resilient.
To make this message stick long after the high-fives were over, we introduced the Grit Squad SEL Trading Cards. These aren’t just collectibles; they are a gamified reinforcement tool. We took the abstract ideas of a social emotional learning program and turned them into a tangible adventure. It’s a turn-key reward system that helps teachers shift from “behavior management” to “character coaching.”
Trading Abstract Ideas for Tangible Grit
The energy from those students was absolutely electric. These kids are smart, friendly, and incredibly thoughtful—a true testament to the school culture in Coppell.
During the assembly, several students joined me on stage to help share my childhood dream of playing for the New York Yankees. Seeing the look on their faces when they were awarded the Dream Chaser Grit Squad SEL card was the highlight of my trip. For them, it wasn’t just a card; it was proof that they embodied the “I’m Possible” mindset.
By the end of the program, the shift was palpable:
- Develop Resilience: Students didn’t just hear the word; they saw a “bounce-back” in action.
- Nurture Self-Worth: They left knowing they are “full of possibility” and worthy of their biggest dreams.
- Gamified SEL: The trading cards turned a one-time event into a daily hallway culture.
As the kids headed back to class, the gym was filled with hugs, high-fives, and 700 mini-broadcast reporters sharing their epic dreams with confidence.
A Texas-Sized Thank You to Richard J. Lee Elementary
A huge, special shoutout to Amy Searight with the PTO—you are a rockstar for making this visit seamless. Thank you to Principal Chantel Kastrounis and Assistant Principal Angel Buchanan for your incredible welcome and for prioritizing the heart of your students. Your leadership is clearly reflected in the smart, kind, and resilient kids I met today.
To all the “All-Stars” at Richard J. Lee Elementary—keep being relentless, keep dreaming big, and always 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. 16 – Andover, MA
- Mar. 17 – Chula Vista, CA
- Mar. 18 – San Lorenzo, CA
- Mar. 19 – Three Rivers, TX
- Mar. 20 – Houston, TX
- Mar. 24 – Severn, MD
- Mar. 25 – Severn, MD
- Mar. 25 – Severn, MD
- Mar. 26 – Reading, PA
- Mar. 31 – Turlock, CA
- Apr 7 – Strasburg, CO
- Apr 7 – Strasburg, CO
- Apr. 10 – Melbourne, FL
- Apr. 11 – Melbourne, FL
- 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.
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