Powerful Message Encourages Eighth-Grade Students to Make Positive Choices

Eighth-grade students from across Craven County Schools came together for a powerful conversation about choices, resilience, personal responsibility, and the impact the decisions they make today can have on their future.

Nationally recognized speaker Tony Hoffman shared his personal journey through addiction, incarceration, recovery, and ultimately finding purpose in helping others avoid some of the painful choices and experiences that shaped his own life.

Through an honest and personal message, Hoffman encouraged students to recognize that the choices they make—even seemingly small ones—can influence the direction of their lives.

Building Skills for the Future

Throughout the program, Hoffman spoke with students about practical life skills that extend well beyond the classroom. His message touched on coping skills, setting healthy boundaries, developing a strong belief system, communicating effectively, practicing discipline, and understanding what contributes to genuine happiness.

One message was repeated throughout the program:

“You can. You will. You are able.”

Hoffman encouraged students to understand that discipline is not developed through one major decision. Instead, it is built through the many small choices and actions individuals make each day.

He also challenged students to lead by example and recognize their own potential to positively influence others.

“You have a gift that can change the world,” Hoffman told students.

His message reinforced the importance of believing in one's ability to grow, asking for help when needed, surrounding oneself with positive influences, and recognizing that today's decisions can help shape tomorrow's opportunities.

“Be Part of the Solution”

Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes opened the program and encouraged students to listen carefully to Hoffman's message.

Drawing on his experience in law enforcement and working with individuals and families throughout Craven County, Sheriff Hughes emphasized the importance of making positive decisions and challenged students with a straightforward message: “Be part of the solution instead of the problem.”

His remarks helped connect the day's conversation to the students' own community and reinforced the importance of seeking help and making choices that support a healthy and successful future.

A Message That Extends Beyond the Auditorium

Bringing eighth-grade students together for the program provided an opportunity to address topics that can have a lasting impact on their lives as they prepare to transition to high school and encounter greater independence and responsibility.

Hoffman's willingness to openly discuss difficult parts of his own journey gave students an opportunity to hear firsthand how choices can have consequences—but also how individuals can change direction, develop new habits, seek support, and find purpose.

Craven County Schools appreciates Tony Hoffman for his honesty, vulnerability, and commitment to helping young people make positive choices, as well as Sheriff Hughes for supporting students and reinforcing the importance of the day's message.

The hope is that students left the auditorium remembering more than a presentation. They left with reminders that their choices matter, their future matters, and they have the ability to make a positive difference—in their own lives and in the lives of others.