Walker is committed to youth, future

I met Stacey Walker when my son asked him to be a keynote speaker for a leadership conference. The purpose of the day was to cultivate diverse, outside-of-the-box youth leaders from all walks of life. Stacey's message to the 200 area teens was strong and powerful: 'Realize your individual potential and start making a difference, no matter how small, now.”

Stacey was mesmerizing. Students could see themselves in him and vice versa. It was powerful in that he enabled them to dream; to see their future is what they make of it. He convinced them that apathy is the enemy.

Six months later at my son's graduation I listened to Stacey speak again on the infinite potential of the youth sitting before us. What is unique about Stacey is that his words are not just hopes he has for the crowd in front of him, but words he himself lives by.

His commitment to inspiring our youth expands beyond keynote speeches. He continuously finds ways to engage them by teaching about public service and government - such was the Future Leaders of Linn County event he recently spearheaded.

Stacey Walker understands our future lies in the hands of our youth. He is committed to not only listen, teach, empower but more importantly, lead by example. We can all benefit from the advice he gave the graduating seniors, 'Go forth, dream big, work hard, change this world for the better.” He is a sorely needed asset to our community.

Jane Hutchins

Cedar Rapids