Dear James Lilly.....

I think your message really got through to me and my fellow classmates.  The reason I say this is because, for days after you came people were talking about you, and about how cool you were for getting through everything you were put through.  I think we all admire that.  Actually, I know we do…

Thank you for taking your time to come and talk to our school.  Your message will never be forgotten.

I was very touched that you came to speak at our school.  I’m glad you shared your story with us.  You truly inspired me and made a difference in my life.  Ever since you talked at our school I keep thinking about your story.  Everything you said was true.  Us teenagers do care a lot about what others think about us, at least I don.  We all want to be a part of a group and to be accepted.

….Believe or not, you do change kids lives.  You did change mine.  So please Mr. Lilly keep talking to kids my age and tell them your story so that they can be as inspired as I am. 

Cindy, Keller Junior High, Illinois

I am a student at Keller Jr. High.  I thought that the speech you gave at our school was very powerful.  It kept my attention the whole time.  Also while you were talking, I was looking at some of my friends who I know are in gangs or who are friends with them.  I also looked at some of my friends who I know drink and do drugs and make bad choices like that.  I could tell they were interested in what you had to say.  I could also tell that they were maybe thinking about changing their ways.  I hope they do. 

I thought it was cool you coming to talk to class. Because when I got home I started to cry and I went to go call my cousins that in gangs and told them to be careful and that I loved them a lot.  And I want to take (thank) you again to talking to class because you opened my heart because I wanted to be in gang but then I realize that the gang is not the answer….

April, Santa Monica High School, California

Your presentation really opened my eyes to how just one life decision will change your life forever.  I always thought my life was hard, but learning about your life really made me think to never regret anything because you never know what can happen to you.  Listening to your talk really showed me that anyone can overcome any obstacle.  I think you really inspired me and many others that & just because you’re different from others you can still live your dreams. 

Mr. Lilly had a difficult teenage life but he surpassed it and he became a successful athlete.  He inspired me a lot because he made me think of the future.  He made me think that we don’t have all our life to just waste it & never recover.  He opened my eyes to see clearly and keep on going to school and to be something in my life.  I just want to say thank you to Mr. Lilly and to keep on inspire teenagers like me.

Emmanuel, Santa Monica High School

When James Lilly came to speak to us, he really helped me get a better understanding about gang life.  He taught me that even if you mess up as a kid you can still turn your life around and make right choices.  He also told us that one major decision can impact someone’s life.  …He made me realize that I have to be careful with the decisions I make.

Eric, Santa Monica High School