Testimonials
Rachel Degutz, Motivational Speaker
“Rachel is an energetic and inspirational presenter whose message of resilience, commitment, and respect for self resonates with all grade levels.”
-Aimee Toth
Principal, Mountain View Middle School
“We were fortunate enough to have Rachel come in and present to our entire student body. Her message was perfect for Middle School students. She emphasized things that we talk to our students about every day. She was able to entertain our students and in keeping them engaged with this entertainment, she was able to remind them of the importance of goal setting, surrounding yourself with people who lift you up, and also believing in yourself. It was a tremendous opportunity for our students.”
-Joseph F. Sprague
Principal, Bordentown Regional Middle School
“Rachel’s story is very inspiring and the life lessons that she teaches are so valuable for the successes for our youth.”
-Kevin Roberts
Teacher, Sandburg Middle School
“Rachel kept our students engaged from start to finish, they were fascinated by her story and her message. She tied in the key points of the week of respect to ensure our middle schoolers learned valuable life lessons while also seeing greatness.”
-Bridget Maloney
School Counselor, Mountain View Middle School
“You are making a difference! Keep changing lives with your testimonial.”
-Vincent Sasso
Principal, Old Bridge High School
“She is absolutely inspiring. Her story is unique and it’s something that is applicable to anyone’s life”
-Laura Leonard
Teacher, Cinnaminson Middle School
“Rachel provided an engaging and exciting envirnoment for our middle school students. She told the story of her dream to be a Ninja Warrior and demonstrated how she overcame setbacks, but continued with unwavering determination. She inspired the kids to dream big, work hard and not give up.”
-Peg Reilly and Katie Whitman
Peer Advisors, Salk Middle School
“Rachel did a fabulous job engaging the students and explaining the importance of chasing your dreams.”
-Gabrielle Zeiler
Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) / North Arlington, NJ
“Rachel's program was engaging and great for students of all ages. Both of my daughters came home excited to discuss her story and talk about what goals they can set for themselves. I would recommend this program for other schools or organizations. It has a great message and Rachel is able to connect with the students on their level.”
-Lauren Shimer
Special Education Teacher, Tamaqua Elementary and Parent of students in the district
“Yes I would recommend - not only was the message inspiring to my students but also to me. Persistence and the message of trying over an dover despite failed attempts really resonated. She has a great youthful energy and was very good presented without note cards - Very impressed - thanks for sharing your life with us.”
-Kim Woodward
Art Teacher, Tamaqua
“I think they liked the idea that they could do anything if they are consistent. It is a good message.”
-Emily
Middle School Teacher, Tamaqua
“I would recommend Rachel as a guest speaker. She is a role model for students to show them that whatever your dreams or goals are, hard work is the key to achieving them.”
-Connie Segedy
Social Studies Teacher, Tamaqua Area High School
“I thought the visual presentation was great as it followed along with what you were saying verbally. I also thought your expression and tone of voice was excellent as it really portrayed your feelings and thoughts.”
-Wendee Trefz
Teacher, Riverfront School
“I have a unique vantage point of being not just a teacher in the school district but also the parent of a senior. At the end, when Rachel asks everyone in the auditorium to close their eyes and picture their dream, I cheated and watched my son. He has big dreams, seemingly unrealistic dreams, but he has the drive to make them possible. His eyes closed, and I know what he was envisioning. I know that Rachel's words reached him and gave him proof that even "crazy" dreams can be attainable.”
-Nichole Beltz
English Language Arts Teacher, Tamaqua High School
“Rachel's message emphasizes putting yourself out there and not being afraid to try new things while accepting the possibility of failure. It encourages persevering through setbacks and striving for success through hard work.”
-Jay Daubert
Health & P.E. Tamaqua MS
“I believe Rachel kept the students' attention with her energy and stories she shared. Students seemed to be attentive the entire time. I also liked how she included the teachers.”
-Diann Belsak
ESL Teacher, Tamaqua
“Rachel was very energetic and insightful and a joy to have speaking at our school”
-Denise Drum
Teacher, Tamaqua Middle School
What Students are Saying
“I’ve never had anyone encourage me like that before, I don’t have any big sisters.”
- 12th grade student
“Very into it, Very fun. The way Rachel Degutz explained her journey through American Ninja Warrior will make you feel better about achieving your life goals or forming one that you never knew you wanted to achieve.”
- 7th grade student
“It was inspiring.”
- Joshua, 8th grade
“They show a lesson that is learned for everyone. Rachel should talk to more schools to teach kids how you should keep going with something you want to do most.”
- Alejandro, 8th grade
“It teaches kids to be more stronger and braver”
- Linda, 8th grade
“She is a good role model.”
- Avery, 8th grade
“She is very uplifting and it helps people fight for their goals”
- Mason, 9th grade
“The presentation was inspiring and it helped me to cope with failure.”
- 7th grade student
“My favorite part was when you were sharing your success story. I found it inspiring that even though you got rejected so many times, you never stopped persevering.”
- 7th grade student
“My favorite part was when you vividly described your thoughts, feelings, and emotions on the day you had to compete against your greatest trainer and mentor.”
- 8th grade student
“I liked that she never taught us to give up.”
- Robert, 8th grade
“I liked when she did a back flip and when we watched the videos of her doing the challenges it felt that as if we were going through the events with her in real time.”
- Abir, 8th grade
“She is inspiring, motivational, and helped me continue on my path to my goal when I was at my lowest..”
- Rebecca, 8th grade
“I think she should talk to more schools because i liked how her presentation was set up and not just somebody yapping for 40 minutes it was actually fun listening through her story and hearing all the struggles and battles she faced and i think its a fun way to send the message to us and kids our age and i loved it.”
- Abir, 8th grade
“The flip was cool and it gave me a better perspective of following your dreams.”
- 7th grade student
“I know you’ll change the life/mindsets of many kids in your career.”
- 8th grade student
“I liked how she was energetic”
- Aaron, 8th grade
“I liked cheering about how her story about how she went from being the average person to being an American Ninja Warrior..”
- Steven, 8th grade
“Rachel teaches people how to be confident and never give up.”
- Steven, 8th grade
“Rachel should talk to more schools because it can make people feel good about there dreams that they have.”
- Alani, 8th grade
“Her story can be encouraging to those who enjoy or want to go further into athletics.”
- Taylor, 8th grade