While Mayor Stevens spoke to the class, he stressed three concepts that not only apply to public speaking but in life. The concepts were “simplify to amplify,” “cultivate not operate,” and “create a process we can trust.” For each of these, he gave explanations and examples of what they mean and how they compare to everyday life.
Stevens also handed out a sheet of seven tips that each speech should consist of. Greenstreet thinks that this really benefited his students, saying, “I think that this greatly assisted them not only in public speaking but in showing them rules of leadership and exemplifying a role model… He as well shows my students on how to engage your listeners and keep them engaged while you make your key points in a speech.”
In Greenstreet’s closing remarks, he expressed his gratitude towards the Mayor by stating, “I see him as a hero and a good guy who provides service and is constantly giving to others.”
Students participated in the endeavor. Sophomore Jared Riley stated, “[I’m wearing red] because it’s the least I can do [to] show my support for the people who put so much into my education.” In agreement with Riley, senior Keegan Crabtree said,“Teachers are 100 percent and I like to show that I acknowledge how hard they work.”
The appreciation day was not just for Orange County, but all North Carolina schools. “Public school teachers in North Carolina have not been feeling the love from their legislators for the last five years, and seem to be near their breaking point… In response, a grassroots effort to voice their disapproval has sprung up. Teachers across the state are threatening to walk out of their classrooms on Nov. 4 in protest of working conditions and pay,” stated Statesville.com.