Published: November 19, 2009 11:20 pm      

Speaker to pupils: Every move you make matters

JOHNSTOWN — Every move you make has consequences, so think before you move.

That was the message Orrin Hudson, a motivational speaker, author and founder of Georgia-based Be Someone Inc., conveyed to seventh- and eighth-graders from Conemaugh Valley, Ferndale Area and Greater Johnstown school districts Thursday at the official kickoff of the “Great Conemaugh Valley Intervention Plan.”

About 620 students attended the assembly, which was held at the Pasquerilla Conference Center in downtown Johnstown.

“Each and every one of you is brilliant and you know that, so find your uniqueness and discover what you were born to do,” Hudson said to the crowd. “Think for yourself and use your brain.”

His chess-based program teaches kids critical thinking skills and self-confidence.

The goal is to help kids understand that in chess, as in life, every move counts.

The talk was in conjunction with the intervention plan, which is aimed at creating a large-scale mentoring program that will involve adults, local agencies and the three school districts.

Throughout his program, Hudson showed the students chess moves on a projector screen and correlated those moves to everyday life situations.

“Get your head in the game, stay in the game and don’t give up,” he said. “Being excellent is not enough. You have to be amazing, so go above and beyond and never settle for less than what you can be.”

To close the program, Hudson performed his “Be Someone” rap and encouraged the students to sing along and make it their motto.

“It takes all of us to make this world a better place, so seize the moment and take advantage of the opportunities that are around you,” he said.

Jon Sharp, 12, a seventh-grader at Ferndale Area Junior/Senior High School, said Hudson’s talk was good and inspiring.

“He was a good speaker and I think more kids will want to get involved now,” he said.

Jon said he’s played chess a few times, but after hearing Hudson speak he’d like to play more.

“I think we should start a chess club at our school,” he said.

For Janay Myers, 12, hearing Hudson’s talk inspired her to work harder.

“It was interesting to learn about his life and how I can also change my life,” the seventh-grader from Greater Johnstown Middle School said.

She believes that chess is a positive learning tool, and if kids can stay interested in the game they will make changes in their lives.

Blake Furman, 14, an eighth-grader at Conemaugh Valley Junior/Senior High School, said Hudson’s program was motivational.

“I really liked it and I’d like to get more involved with the program,” he said.

He added that he is an avid chess player and wants to play on the school’s team.

“If you make the wrong move in chess it messes you up, and it’s the same in life,” Blake said.

Hudson has been in Johnstown since Tuesday promoting his message in the three school districts and holding a series of workshops for adults who are interested in being mentors.