BACKGROUND:   The First Thirty by Jillip Naysinthe Paxson is based on true story of Greg Forbes Siegman, his efforts to make a difference, the experiences as a student which influenced those efforts, and the thirty lessons learned along the way. Those 'student years' include the period of time he spent in grade school and middle school -- from his love of reading, to his struggles (and eventual success) in school, to dealing with getting teased by older kids, to his close relationship with his puppy and his Grandma, to his (wonderful) experience going to summer camp and more.  Greg speaks at schools - including Middle Schools - on a variety of topics (click Connections and see Section 3 for a list of some of those topics). The First Thirty and its companion workbook A Place To Sit are now used with Middle School-aged students around the country.

In 2007, Northeast Student Diversity Leadership Conference honored The First Thirty as Multicultural Relations Book of the Year

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:
==  Featured in Washington Post Co, Volunteer Leadership Magazine, Good Morning America, Education Week, College Bound, College News, CBS , hundreds of school and local publications among others
==  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 SPEECHES & USES OF THE BOOKS/WORKBOOKS:

== School in  New York ordered 400 copies of The First Thirty as part of diversity programming with middle school students

== In Florida, a middle school parent (Claudine Mourjan) read her son's copy of the book cover-to-cover in one day. Later that same day, she purchased 100 copies -- giving them out to her staff, her clients and lending some to the middle school her son attends.
== In Minnesota, the Vikings (NFL) purchased copies of The First Thirty for local middle school students and sponsored an essay contest based on the book for them
== Costa Catholic Academy does middle school-wide reading of The First Thirty, completes a goal-setting project and community service essay project based on the story....and have Greg speak at an assembly on campus.

== Middle School in suburban Illinois incorporates The First Thirty, A Place To Sit into a class, engages students in Philanthropy project based on the book

== A public school teacher incorporated The First Thirty into her 4th grade class - getting a copy for each student
== Catholic middle school in Canada orders copies of The First Thirty for faculty, student-wide reading. 
== The Jewish Center in New Jersey ordered copies of The First Thirty for its middle school students celebrating Bar & Bat Mitzvahs
== YMCA branch in Chicago selects The First Thirty as centerpiece for their new Middle School curriculum
== Greg serves as Honorary Writer-in-Residence at Denver Academy
== YAMS, Inc (Youth Against MS) ordered copies of The First Thirty for thirty of their top leaders and supporters

== Scotiabank (Canada) orders copies of The First Thirty for local youth, sponsors a community service essay contest on The First Thirty
== Speaks at middle schools in Illinois, Minnesota, Washington DC among others
== APC & HESC order hundreds of copies of The First Thirty (and its companion workbook A Place To Sit) for middle school students in New York; bring Greg to town to speak at various events for the students.
== Rockville Bank ordered 50 copies of The First Thirty for the 'Top 50 Citizens' in the graduating class of a local middle school in Connecticut

SAMPLE OF FEEDBACK TO SPEECHES & BOOKS & WORKBOOKS:

"Greg is the most interesting not-smart person I've ever heard speak." - Tamara, student, New York

"My experience [working with Greg] from beginning to present has been to say the least, inspirational.  Greg was born with a gift of making others see the big picture.  His mission to serve for the greater good is a message we can all choose to live by...what a wonderful message! - Susan Day, Costa Catholic Academy (where students throughout the middle school grades read The First Thirty]

"...I have been using The First Thirty as a reading text with my 4th grade class.  The kids are highly engaged in the story.  The vignettes and lessons provide so many jumping off points for thoughtful, critical discussion.  I bought each of my kids a copy of the book so that they could make it their own by writing notes in the margins and underlining sentences and phrases that really stood out to them.  They have also populated their books with sticky notes filled with questions, connections, evaluations, and analysis... I think this book is a wonderful teaching tool because it addresses so many of the kinds of issues kids face – like teasing, bullying, respect, self-esteem, imagination, friendships, loss, facing challenging situations, overcoming setbacks and obstacles, race/ethnicity and a variety of other important life issues.  As I mentioned, my kids love it!  The book also provides many opportunities for writing extensions and could easily provide a starting point for social studies related discussions or art projects.  The reading level is accessible to my kids, especially with my support, and would be great for kids at the 5th or 6th grade reading levels... - Megham Freytag, 4th grade teacher (Illinois)
  

"...he did a great job keeping the students' attention and it was a message young people need to hear..." - Marvin Bartlett, News Anchor, WKYT-TV (Lexington, KY)

"Bishop Gallagher was thrilled to have Greg come to visit our students and speak at an all-school assembly. Most of the classes were well into the book, The First Thirty, and they were thrilled to meet the [main] "character" [from the book].  Greg's message of making a difference in the world outside your window was extremely well received and links into so many of our stewardship and volunteerism lessons and activities within our school...." - Jackie Fredrickson, Administrator, Bishop Gallagher School (Canada)

"Greg was so motivating when we were honoured with his presenatation in November.  The staff and students were so inspired...he has inspired our students to write and to make a difference in our community.  The book posters are in every classroom and the book "The First Thirty" is being read [school-wide reading].  As a Catholic School Principal, I was so excited about Greg's work,  as we need to all take the time to care and share which is what we are all about!.  What hope he gives to all he meets.  He is truly charismatic!...students between the ages of 12-14 need his inspiration and role modeling to help them along their journey....!" - Alexa McKinnon, Principal- Bishop Gallagher Senior Elementary School, Canada

"...one of the most inspirational and touching stories I have ever heard.  While he spoke, my eyes were filled with tears.  Not the kind of tears you get when you're sad or the kind you get when you're happy, it's a whole new kind.  The kind that when you think your hardest about why you're crying, you come up with no answer..." - Mina, Middle school student, Chicago

"The students were mesmerized by Greg's presentation.  When he finished, the students responded with a standing ovation.  It was genuine and  spontaneous...He spoke to them with respect and honesty and they felt compelled to reciprocate.  They were challenged to make a difference and made to believe that age was not an obstacle; he tapped the innate desire to do good, while the energy that flows from one's belief in ideals slowly consumed the audience....He weaved a story of tragedy and senseless loss into a personal journey of hope, and commitment.  He personalized his experience which helped to make it their experience.  In a school trying to embrace diversity, he said and lived everything we try to model and embrace....What greater purpose can an assembly serve?" --D.S., Middle School Principal

"Greg is one phenomenal speaker who embodies the essence of a liberated spirit and being.  He captivated his audience, taking them to 'the heart' -- a place which we sometimes forget." - Kaemanje Thomas, NYSP Math & Science Instructor

BETH H, MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT, CANADA: "We all read The First Thirty together in class. I thought the book was amazing. Inspiring, moving, motivational, and the list goes on...It's definItely a book I'll be recommending to anyone, young or old. I'm sure I'll be reading it over again and again untill the pages wear out."

"I loved the story, it was fascinating. I really liked the fact that it was [based on] a true story...it made it all the more interesting...I hope [there is] a [sequel] book about [Greg's] life [after he turned thirty]." - Saad, Middle school student, Chicago IL

"...sometimes I don't know what to advise my daughter when it comes to solving emotional situations she is facing with kids at school.  The First Thirty sure helps...It comes to my mind that I think I should read it to my daughter".   -- Maria C, parent, Illinois

"...He walked on stage and told a beautiful story...Literally, the rest of the people in the room were fogged out of my vision because I was focusing so intently on his words...I just want to thank him, not only for speaking, but for his strength, courage and guidance..." - Molly, Middle School student, Wheaton IL

"An insightful story about growing up, finding your way and remaining true to yourself." - Jennifer Mynear, Middle school parent, Kentucky

"A dazzling gem...its lessons are immensely teachable." - Teacher Information Network

"I am a Middle School special educator, and I am using "The First Thirty" with my students in my reading class.  I love the book and its life lessons.  I am using the workbook with them, too (A Place To Sit).  Wow!  What a great way to teach these kids about life...Thank you for touching my life and my students." - Bari Levin,  Middle School educator, Illinois (who later sent in word that she also launched a Book Club featuring The First Thirty for other educators, and then later sent in word that the book inspired her to do a Philanthropy Project with her Middle School students)