Y.E.S. Speakers

Holocaust Survivor Speaks on Acceptance and Diversity

Marion Blumenthal Lazan

Youth Enhancement Services, Inc. of Teton County (Y.E.S.),presented holocaust survivor, author and lector, Marion Blumenthal Lazan in Choteau, Fairfield and Dutton the week of March 10, 2008.

Mrs. Lazan began speaking publicly about her Holocaust experiences in 1979.  Her award winning memoir, “Four Perfect Pebbles” co-written with Lila Pearl, was published in 1996.  “Marion’s Triumph”, a documentary produced by John Chua and narrated by Will and Grace television star Debra Messing, recalls Marion’s life.  This documentary is an amazing story of perseverance and hope.

Y.E.S. wa extremely honored to offer to the communities in Teton County the opportunity to hear directly Mrs. Lazan’s moving, firsthand account of her experiences from events preceding Kristallnacht, to imprisonment in Nazi concentration camps, and finally to liberation.  Mrs. Lazan speaks to youth and adults in schools, organizations and houses of worship throughout the United States, Germany and Israel.

Mrs. Lazan’s message of acceptance and hope fits well with the goals of Youth Enhancement Services.  It validates the importance of the “Virtues Project” that Y.E.S uses as well as other programs offered by Y.E.S for youth at risk. Mrs. Lazan stressed the importance of positive thinking as well as creativity and inner strength to overcome adversity.  Although her story is one of horror and hardship, it is also a story of courage, hope and the will to survive.

Several schools outside of Teton County joined the area schools to hear Mrs. Lazan’s message throughout the week.  This will be the last generation to hear a survivor’s story.  Mrs. Lazan  also presented her story to the public with a wonderful turnout in Choteau, Fairfield and Dutton.

Anyone wishing to know more about Marion Blumenthal Lazan can go to her website.

Glodoski targets teens, parents with message

Teton County Youth Enhancement Services Inc brought author, speaker and entrepreneur Ron Glodoski to Teton County on Sept. 20, 2007 to speak to school students and community members on at-risk issues facing youth today.

Glodoski is a national expert on bullying, resiliency, and drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse. He is a well-known author of “How to Be a Successful Criminal: The Real Deal on Crime, Drugs and Easy Money.” He has delivered his message in 43 states and five countries.

Glodoski’s presentation went beyond the classroom and provided his audience an opportunity to see the world through the eyes of today’s youth. By using real life experience, Glodoski reached out to the kids with respect. He challenged the kids to believe first in the value of their own lives, and the importance of respecting themselves and others. His honesty showed kids where they may be headed unless they choose to turn their lives around. Offering hope and possibilities, he taught them that everything in life is a choice and that tomorrow’s quality of life is based on today’s decisions.

Glodoski communicated in a way that connected with kids. By relating to them he was able to help them discover why so many youth are angry and have given up on their hopes and dreams. He identified personal attitudes and issues that contribute to their feelings of isolation and low self-esteem, and provided them with ideas and how they can have control over what happens to them.

Glodoski  presented a staff development program for teachers and anyone who works directly with youth.  He followed up  with the presentation “The Real Deal on Turning Kids Around” for the community. More information about Ron Glodoski’s program can be found at.