Creating an atmosphere of unity to help students thrive has been the focus for the past three weeks. The school-wide assembly Sept. 9 was no exception, where students learned the importance of dreams and their self worth.

During the assembly, Erin Weidemann talked about her experiences being a softball player in college and being a five-time cancer survivor and what she learned from those experiences. She also discussed how bullying and drug use obstruct people from reaching their goals.

Students entered for a chance to win an iPad by expressing what her speech meant to them and turning it in at the end of the rally. Each student left the rally with a wrist band and a “Dream Book,” where students could read and write about achieving their dreams.

Alaina Roberts expected a very different type of presentation about suicide. Instead of one that focused on dreams, she expected one that talked about the signs of suicide and how to talk about it with people.

“I was really surprised when it turned out to be more focused on self-worth and destructive behaviors rather than suicide specifically. Some of the videos and music were a little cheesy, but Erin’s story was so compelling. I thought she did a great job getting through to everybody and, from what I heard in my classes for the rest of the day, everybody liked it; even the cynical kids who usually wouldn’t pay attention to that sort of thing,” Roberts said.

Cade Krawiec also thought it was different from a normal type of rally, and found it informative.

“It was different from your typical assembly, as well as an eye-opening presentation. I thought the stories the speaker shared were really insightful and helped enhance her message,” Krawiec said.

ASB president Jack Grove said these types of activities have a definite effect on the student body, bringing change for the better.