“Coach Marshall has a unique ability to reach kids and parents with his thoughtful, personal message.”
James A. “Jamie” Myers, M.Ed., LPC, Executive Director, Prevention Consultants of Missouri
Cody’s Gift is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate and prevent substance abuse disorders as well as raise the awareness on mental health issues and coping skills. Learn more about us.
“I’m not here to talk at you. I’m not with the sheriff’s department or the police department. I’m not here to shove some DARE program down your throat. I’m just a humble man here to tell you my story.”
I didn’t think the 420 high school students in the gymnasium could get any more quiet, but they did when Jim Marshall began his message with his opening lines above. For the next 45 minutes, you could have heard a pin drop as students were riveted on Jim and his story about his son, Cody.
If you schedule just one speaker this next school year for students to learn about the dangers of substance abuse, it needs to be Jim Marshall. A retired high school teacher of 30 years and a father who tried to resuscitate his son from a drug overdose, Jim Marshall knows how to deliver a powerful message that will have a lasting impact on students.