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GREG FORBES SIEGMAN
HIGH SCHOOLS
BACKGROUND: The First Thirty by Jillip Naysinthe Paxson is based on true story of Greg Forbes Siegman, his efforts to make a difference, his experiences in and out of a class as a student which influenced those efforts, and the thirty lessons learned along the way. It includes an extensive focus on his time in high school -- from his struggles (and eventual success) in class, his (positive) involvement in school athletics, his (positive) experience weightlifting at the gym, his (positive) experience meeting people of other races, cultures and backgrounds for the first time, his reflections on labels and stereotypes, and in particular, the ups-and-downs of the college application/selection process. The book also looks in detail at later years in his life when he was working with high school students as a substitute teacher, and assisting high school students through his nonprofit organization.
= In 2005, a high school in Connecticut chose The First Thirty as its Graduation Gift -- ordering a copy for every graduate
= In 2007, Northeast Student Diversity Leadership Conference honored The First Thirty as Multicultural Relations Book of the Year
= In 2008, a high school in Illinois selected The First Thirty as its Readers Choice book - ordering copies for a student/staff/parent trip to Africa
Greg now speaks at schools - including High Schools -- on a variety of topics (click Connections and see Section 3 to read more about those topics). The First Thirty -- and its companion workbook, A Place To Sit -- are now used with High School-aged students around North America.
BIO: Greg's Bio
WEBSITES: www.GregForbes.com -- www.TheFirstThirty.com
ONE PAGE SYNOPSIS OF THE BOOK (THE FIRST THIRTY): About the Story
MEDIA & HONORS:
== Washington Post Co article on Greg's college application/selection process, how that shaped the rest of his life
== Similar articles in Baltimore Sun, Education Week, others
== Other media examples include: College Bound, Good Morning America, College News, CBS , hundreds of school and local publications
== Honors received include: Jefferson Award for Public Service, America's Daily Point of Light, Hasbro Real-Life American Hero, CBS Hometown Hero, Simply Family's Heroes of the Year, Education Center Director's Award, honored at Princeton University as one of nation's top social entrepreneurs under 40.
EXAMPLE OF RELEVANT SPEECHES & USES OF THE BOOKS:
== Delivered High school Commencement in Connecticut
== Keynoted a Global Fair for high school students in New Hampshire
== Spoke at Diversity & Service event for high school students in Wisconsin
== Keynoted Fall Sports Kick-off event for high school in Illinois
== An assembly for upperclassmen at a high school in Canada
== Scholar-in-Residence at a private high school in the Midwest
== The First Thirty incorporated into American Lit course at high school in California
== Teachers at various high schools use Greg's story in conjunction with tales like Schindler's List, Night, Tuesdays with Morrie and Homer's Odyssey
== Keynoted several HOBY Leadership Conferences for high school students
== MyTownHall.info teamed up with Suffield High School to get copies of The First Thirty for every student in the graduating class
== North Community Bank ordered copies of The First Thirty to give to high school students in Louisiana impacted by Hurricane Katrina
== In New York, the Giants (NFL) sponsored an essay contest for high school students based on The First Thirty
== APC & HESC order hundreds of copies of The First Thirty (and its companion workbook A Place To Sit) for high school students in New York; bring Greg to town to lead a workshop for the students
== In New York, HESC ordered copies of The First Thirty for all the educators and site leaders attending its Annual Statewide Conference
== In Minnesota, the Vikings (NFL) purchased copies of The First Thirty for local students and sponsored an essay contest based on the book for them
SAMPLE OF FEEDBACK TO SPEECHES & THE BOOKS:
"I just wanted to say I was really moved by Greg's speech. He made me think about a lot of things I have never really thought about before. I believe he has opened a door for me. He is probably the most hard-working, not-so-smart person I have ever met..." - Megan, High school student (NH)
"In my first year of high school, I must say -- wait no, in my whole life -- Greg is probably the best speaker that I have had the pleasure of hearing." - Maddy, High school student (NH)
"I -- and I am sure, many of my classmates -- enjoyed Greg coming and talking to our Contemporary Authors class. I found his discussion has inspired me. I feel like I am going to try twice as hard as i did before in school..." -Chris, high school student, CT
"A moving and inspirational message...Students still bring it up in class discussions as we discuss notions of hero in our reading of the Odyssey. An unforgettable story like his and the courage he had to forego a lucrative career to help others is not one that fades away in the hearts and minds of those of us who desire to make change in our world. I encourage him to keep fighting the good fight and to continue creating hope in the lives of so many." - Carlo Trovato, High school teacher, Illinois
SAMPLE OF FEEDBACK TO THE BOOKS & WORKBOOKS:
"The First Thirty delivers a strong, positive message that is particularly relevant to high school students..." - Midwest Book Review
"I loved The First Thirty. It has a wonderful structure to it, especially how it maps out the 'hero's journey.' I think this would be a great supplement to the Odyssey, Catcher in the Rye, or even Beowulf. Certainly, when I establish my own class curriculum, I intend to implement the First Thirty in some way. - Lindsay Green, Student Teacher (and future full-time educator)
"The First Thirty should be read by any college bound student or anyone with hopes in making a difference. Student's everywhere can easily relate to Greg Siegman's story and sense of humor..." - Natalie, High school student, California
"A refreshing reminder that each of us can -- and should -- be open to the world beyond our window while changing the world within it." -- Morgan, High School Student (Texas)
"I personally read The First Thirty earlier this year and was brought to tears on three different occasions. I knew right away that I wanted to try and make it possible for our students and staff to meet Greg. The themes of his story reinforce aspects of our mission like service, leadership and lifelong learning." - Paul Newton, High school Principal, Connecticut
"I really have to tell you, it was really the best book I have ever read. It took me only one day to read it because I liked it so much. It made me think about my life...the book was really an inspiration to me because it tells me that there is a place for me in this place we call The World..." - Yan, High school student, New York
"A dazzling gem...its lessons are immensely teachable." - Teacher Information Network
FOR MORE FEEDBACK FROM EVENTS, CLICK HERE
SAMPLE OF FEEDBACK TO THE INTERNSHIPS:Damaris (High school student who served a One Day Internship along with her older sister): "Working as an intern for Greg was a pleasure. His speech was deep, humorous and motivating. His enthusiasm was addictive. I was able to be involved in a commencement for the first time in my life. It was nice to be involved and help make this day memorable for others. I was glad that I could help and I would gladly assist Greg on another event. Thanks for the opportunity. It was definitely inspiring and motivating."
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