Guest speaker tackles bullying, kindness, and friendship

KELLOGG – Last week students from all three Kellogg School District schools were treated to assemblies from renowned voice actor Michael Pritchard on the importance of kindness, friendship and the dangers of bullying.

Pritchard, a comedian and voice actor who has lended his talents to such popular film franchises as Star Wars and has shared a stage with comedy legends Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, Whoopie Goldberg, and Dana Carvey, also has a background in counseling and felt that his talents were better served helping and inspiring youth and adults.

“His message was great for our students,” Kellogg High School principal Curt Bayer said. “His sense of humor to get his point across made our students not only laugh but think about themselves and those around them.”

The students found themselves completely enthralled by Pritchard and were also given the opportunity to speak and many took advantage of it. “Our students were actively engaged and paid attention for the entire assembly,” Curt Bayer said. “I am especially proud of those students who showed courage to speak in front of their peers about the importance of kindness and acceptance.”

Pritchard’s message and the students responsiveness to it was also noticed by many of the teachers, who not only were affected by his words, but also saw how their students were both actively engaging and also demonstrating how attentive they are to their surroundings.

“You could hear a pin drop as he spoke and at other times you could see the tears in staff and students' eyes,” Kellogg Middle School Principal Jan Bayer said. “Students talked about being bullied and being bullies themselves. The experience was heartfelt and students reflected about the message in Mrs. Dose's class.”

At the elementary level Pritchard is allowed to showcase his talents even further.

“One of his skills is impersonating people and sounds,” Pinehurst Elementary School Principal Mike Groves said. “He used them well to keep his audience’s attention so he could get his message across.”

With messages like, “the best kind of ship to be on is friendship,” or, ‘bullying isn't the biggest cause of hurt....it's our friends who don't defend that hurts the most,” Pritchard’s presentations hit home with audience and like Bayer said, had many in tears.

“I thought the kids might not be receptive but the message hit home especially with older kids,” Groves said. “It was well worth our time and a nice starting point for the district to start the year focusing on bullying.” Pritchard is a pioneer in the field of social-emotional learning.

His past includes a tour in Army as a medic in Vietnam, being named the 1980 California Probation Officer of the Year as well as winning first place in the San Francisco International Comedy Competition that same year.

He worked several years in Hollywood, but now spends most of his time working with students, veterans organizations, as well as inmates and former inmates.

He speaks to schools, parent groups, and corporations on the topics of communication skills, diversity, bullying, and conflict resolution.

Pritchard’s presentation to the students, staff members, and parents was part of the school district's efforts to combat bullying and improve citizenship and relationships.