Testimonials
We cannot begin to express our sincere appreciation for the opportunity to work with Steered Straight, Inc. From the initial contact until now we are so impressed with their communication and quick response. The chance to speak directly to the owner/main presenter, Michael DeLeon, to set up and finalize our event was quite extraordinary.
Prior to the presentation day, cases of booklets on various substances (i.e., alcohol, marijuana, prescription) arrived at our school and were put on display for the students and parents to pick up as they arrived. On the actual day of the event Mr. DeLeon arrived early, set up quickly and was ready to greet students and staff as they entered for each of the presentations. Michael provides a personal touch to all parts of his presentation. He has an uncanny ability to read the students and staff, even when wearing face coverings.
Each presentation was specifically tailored to the age level of the audience. Michael’s first
presentation for our district consisted of a group kindergarten (some as a young as 4 years old) through 4′ grade students. He delivered an engaging, thirty-minute presentation where the students got to know Michael and heard a simple but clear message about life choices. As he transitioned to a group of 5th_Stn grade students for sixty minutes he provided more information with increased details of his personal story,
hard ship, and success. The 9th-12th grade ninety minute presentation left little room for imagination.
Michael clearly explained how his poor, life choices helped spiral him into an early life of negative consequences. He provides his audiences with many eye-opening statistics. Not too many that overwhelm the listeners, but enough to get their attention and keep them focused on message; positive personal decisions in a young adult’s life will affect them long term Michael’s goal is to share his real-life experiences and help steer student to make positive life decisions and avoid the things that he was unable to steer clear
of as a teenager which inevitably led to more and more negative consequences. The students were visibly moved by Michael’s message and asked him great questions at the end of his presentation. One high school student told the principal, “Thank you so much for caring enough to bring this presenter to us. His story makes me want to make good choices.”
The student presentations were just three of Mr. DeLeon’s five presentations of the day. After school he engaged our staff in a ninety-minute talk with even more personal and statistical information. One staff member commented, “The things he talked about scared me. The kids today worry me.” Michael concluded his day in our district with a presentation. directed at parents. He spoke about “Victoria’s Voice” and how a free copy of the book would be delivered to anyone who wanted one. The books were shipped to the district the following day and given to the students and parents who requested a copy.
Working with Steered Straight, Inc. was a great experience for our district. Everyone had the opportunity (i.e., students, staff, parents, community) to hear this amazing presentation. Michael DeLeon is a dynamic speaker with an array of age-appropriate presentations. We would encourage all districts to reach out and invite Steered Straight, Inc to send a presenter to their district soon.
The Anti-Bullying presentation provided by your organization was well prepared, thoughtful, and engaging for the students. You created an atmosphere that challenged how students viewed themselves, school, and their community. The presentation was also inviting for the staff which allowed everyone in the room to laugh, think, and reflect. Steered Straight has developed a customized program
that will benefit anyone K-12.
One of the best parts of your program is engaging the students and hands on activities. The presenters were funny, helpful, and encouraging to everyone. Each person from Steered Straight was professional and fully implemented their program in a timely fashion. I would recommend them for any student incentive, bullying, or school spirit presentation you are trying to promote.
“Thank you so much for Michael’s message at Central Valley Schools in Ilion, NY. The feedback was overwhelmingly (as in all) positive. And thank you Mrs. DeLeon for your remarkable testimony. The idea that you would stand by your husband in his darkest hour sent a powerful message to kids whose parents split over selfish and trivial things.”
This will be our second time having Michael DeLeon as a guest speaker for our Middlesex County Sheriff’s, DARE/Jr. Police Academy. We originally heard Michael speak at a family day in North Brunswick, and decided we needed to book him to speak to our kids. He has a wonderfully powerful message to give, and the kids respond to him well. He is captivating and very “real”, and the kids just soak up the information he puts out. The fact that he made the wrong choices and paid the consequences, and learned from his mistakes is not lost on them, and they appreciate his candor. Our Jr. Academy is age specific for 5th and 6th graders, so the average child is around 10 years old, but I would recommend Mr. DeLeon for any age group.
Recently, Vision Ministries in coordination with Steered Straight prepared an assembly for our school.
During this assembly, Mr. Michael R. DeLeon spoke to our students about making healthy decisions and explained his life story as a means to influence students to avoid drugs and to seek help before it is too late. After the assembly, we received positive feedback from both students and community members.
Mr. Crum of Vision Ministries brought this event to Laurel Jr. / Sr. High School free of charge, but the assembly was a priceless experience for our students.
It gives me great pleasure to write this letter for Drug Free World. A short time ago, we had the opportunity to bring Michael DeLeon to Southport High School to speak to our students about the dangers of drugs and specifically vaping. Throughout the day, Michael shared his message with each grade level. His presentation was not only very informational, but it was also captivating to the student audience. Michael has a talent. His message masterfully weaved together vital information about the dangers of vaping with his personal story. The students were engaged and left the meeting more informed about the truth about drugs.
After school, Michael presented a targeted message to our student-athletes challenging them to be leaders and stay drug and alcohol-free. In the evening, Michael then shared his message with our families. Each of these forms allowed students and parents to ask questions so they could learn more about and make more informed decisions.
While the presentation was inspiring and informative, rarely does a one-time event change behavior. Drug Free World understands this and leaves your school with a great deal of educational information that can be used to continue to conversations. I look forward to implementing the curriculum as we work to help our students make good decisions concerning drugs and alcohol.
I highly recommend the partnership we have formed with Drug Free World. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me by email at or by phone at 317-789- 4811.
“The message you delivered at North Jackson High School today hit home. My husband and I just about lost our marriage due to opioid addiction…My little girl was one of the silver card holders…I just wanted you to know I appreciate everything you do for these kids. God has and will continue to pour his blessings upon you.”
I wanted to express how grateful I am that Michael DeLeon came to present his knowledge to our students at North Haledon Middle School. I got the chance to see Michael DeLeon at a high school parent’s night that I was invited to in March of 2019. After seeing his presentation I had to have him come speak to the students of High Mountain Middle Schoool where I work as the Student Assistance Counselor (SAC). The purpose of the assembly is to provide our students with accurate knowledge about drugs, alcohol, vaping, and the risks that they can endure when experimenting. Michael DeLeon is a powerful speaker, he is REAL and grabbed the student’s attention immediately.
All teachers, counselors, support staff and administration were present during the assembly. Mr. DeLeon was a dynamic speaker and when concluding his presentation he ensured to review the importance of choice, self-confidence, pride and zero tolerance to anything that will take happiness away from their amazing journeys ahead. I was very proud of our students and their maturity, along with their willingness to help each other be successful and safe after they experience the assembly. The conversations of the topics present were continued with our staff, in the hallways, and most importantly within our classrooms. I think it is extremely important to provide our families with accurate resources so that they can continue to support and collaborate with each other to ensure all our children are protected and happy. I would wholeheartedly have Michael DeLeon come back to conduct his presentation with our students again in the future!!
Sincerely,
Hello Michael,
I wanted to further thank you for your talk in front of our class this morning and further talks throughout the day in the community. I was the student who told you how your presentation has been way more impactful than prior years. My brother and mother both attended the freshman presentation and they felt it had a similar impact.
Truthfully, I had a free period scheduled during your presentation and I had the thought of skipping out on it, but something told me not to. Your presentation truly sparked an interest for the cause you stand for.
Thank you again and I wish you the best in your efforts.
Hello Mr. Deleon, I would first just like to thank you for coming to my school and presenting that amazing speech to my friends and I. The speech truly changed my life and I just want to let you know how much of an impact that it had on me. The speech was captivating and just left me speechless. Some of the statistics about vaping and marijuana are absolutely staggering and horrifying. It is just so sad to think about what America has come to. Thank you for making such a difference in my life, and for all those around you. I just wanted to let you know. THANK YOU.
I just wanted to thank you so much for such an informative night! I am grateful for your time spent with us. I am definitely going to dig into your website and material provided. Since addiction runs in my family, and I know for a fact my son is vaping, I need to know as much as I can.
I would like to take the time to thank Steered Straight for presenting such a powerful and captivating presentation at our school. Michael and Aly did an incredible job depicting their life stories in such an eye opening way that our students were asking about them weeks later. The presentation sent a out a non filtered message that is needed to reach some of our most challenging students. It was a honor to be selected as a sponsored school and to have your program at our school touching lives. We are looking forward to you returning to us in the future. Thank you again for sending out your message and saving lives.