I am a third generation artist whose paintings of race horses are in a number of private collections of prominent horse people across the country. I would like to do presentations involving reading my children's book "Awesome Elijah," a drawing lesson, and play and sing the song that I wrote that goes with it, or play a professional recording of it. Elijah, the calf, is rescued from certain death, and grows up to be a much loved steer who is ridden at a Horse Expo at the Saratoga Race Course. This true story illustrates just what an effect one act of compassion can have on so many lives.

Caroga Arts Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to presenting world-class, interdisciplinary arts experiences in the Southern Adirondacks. Through over fifty performances and events annually, Caroga Arts brings together artists across genres to collaborate and engage with diverse audiences. Based at historic Sherman's Park in Caroga Lake—a cherished cultural gathering place with a rich legacy—Caroga Arts draws inspiration from its setting to create accessible, community-centered artistic and educational experiences. Its signature programs—including the Caroga Lake Music Festival, the Strings Project & Arts Collaborative Education (SPACE) Program, the InterArts Symposium, the Myhil Film Series, and artist residencies—serve as platforms for both artistic excellence and community connection. Committed to arts education, Caroga Arts offers outreach programs, workshops, masterclasses, and interactive school assemblies that inspire creativity and active participation in students of all ages. By combining a warm, intimate setting with innovative programming, Caroga Arts Collective creates transformative experiences that enrich, educate, and inspire.

Chris Herren is a former professional basketball player, a voice on the topic of substance use prevention and a wellness advocate. Since 2009, Chris has spoken to over two million students, athletes and community members, sparking honest discussions on the topics of substance use disorder and wellness. A person in long-term recovery, Chris continues to share his story in school communities nationally with a renewed focus on prevention education and challenging audiences to rethink how we look at the disease of addiction – changing the focus from the last day to the first.

Didgeridoo Down Under is a leading K-12 educational entertainment company in the U.S, and we tour annually throughout New York. We perform exciting and interactive school assemblies, workshops and residencies woven with cultural arts, core curriculum, character building, motivational speaking and loads of audience participation. Our program themes range from Australian cultural arts to science, literacy, character education and more! Our programs are applicable to elementary, middle and high schools, and we adjust our programs to the specific audience. All programs also are accompanied by a study guide. Our most popular school assemblies include … 1) STAR QUEST: Passport to the Universe! – NEW! Star Quest is a captivating NEW musical and cinematic science adventure that launches students on an epic journey from Earth into the solar system and far beyond. DDU master performer/producer Rob Thomas weaves world music, awe-inspiring visuals, storytelling and audience participation into an enthralling and immersive program that explores planets, ocean worlds, stars, distant exoplanets and more ... showing not just what we know about the universe, but how we know it. Students will be exposed to NGSS concepts in space science, energy, force, and scientific investigation, demonstrating how observation, data, and physics turn curiosity into knowledge. Throughout the show, stunning photos and videos will be projected onto screens for a theater-like experience, and Rob will perform world-fusion music with his vast collection of didgeridoos and percussion instruments. Star Quest is interactive, educational, inspirational and mesmerizing! 2) DIDGERIDOO DOWN UNDER SHOW: Australian Music, Culture, Character Building & More! The Didgeridoo Down Under Show is an energetic fusion of Australian music, culture, comedy, character building, and loads of audience participation. The didgeridoo has been played by Aboriginal Australians for at least 1500 years, and it's known for its otherworldly sound. During the show, Rob Thomas plays a variety of exotic didgeridoos and worldly percussion instruments, demonstrating various playing styles and upbeat rhythms. He uses a multitude of props – vocabulary list, motivational signs, puppets, artwork and more – to deliver educational lessons and empowering messages. The program is very participatory, and several segments involve students playing instruments, dancing or acting out a story. The DDU Show is interactive, educational, motivational and super fun for all ages! 3) DYNAMIC EARTH: World Music, Earth Science & Environmental Entertainment! Dynamic Earth (aka Protect the Planet) takes us on an epic musical and scientific adventure, from the birth of the universe to the age of dinosaurs to the modern world. Multi-talented performer Rob Thomas weaves didgeridoo world music, awe-inspiring visuals and audience participation into an enthralling and interactive program. Your students will marvel at prehistoric creatures roaming primordial landscapes; they’ll explore a mysterious plant communication network; they’ll observe interactions between different animal species; and most importantly, they’ll learn how to protect our precious Earth. Throughout the show, stunning photos and videos will be projected onto screens for a theater-like experience, and Rob will perform world-fusion music with his vast collection of didgeridoos and percussion instruments. Some students will be invited on stage to play clap sticks during one of the musical pieces. Dynamic Earth is interactive, educational, motivational and highly entertaining! Additional programs include … Aussie Funk Jam: Didgeridoo Workshop! … Didgeridoo Residency: Immersive Australian Musical Experience! … Adventures of the Wild Wolf: Unleash Your Inner Reader & Author! Since 2003, we’ve presented 10,000+ programs at schools and other venues nationwide, with countless rave reviews. DDU presenter Rob Thomas is a highly acclaimed national touring performer and producer. He has performed at countless schools, theaters and other venues over 20+ years, and he has produced music for numerous films, including the IMAX movie Sacred Planet. He is passionate about empowering youth to make a positive impact on the world. ** Learn more at www.didgedownunder.com and www.didgedownunder.com/gallery. **

Page Turner Adventures’ Story-Powered shows are a unique blend of Immersive Theater, Circus, and non-stop Audience Participation that take a book from the PAGE TO STAGE! Every child in the audience becomes the hero of the story, making choices, solving problems, and impacting the outcome. It’s a visceral experience that turbo charges a passion for reading and writing that kids will never forget. PLUS…. Every teacher at the show gets a LITERACY WONDER BUNDLE link which includes an Ebook, Animated Video, Audiobook, Craft, Writing Guide, Reader’s Theater Script or PDF Puppet Kit all BASED ON THE SHOW the kids just saw! So the laughter and learning continue long after the curtain closes.

Group Tickets for parties of 10+ to ALADDIN and THE LION KING on Broadway in New York City. When booking as a group, guests will benefit from special group pricing, flexible payment timelines, and no booking fees. We also offer a variety of add on experiences such as Disney on Broadway Workshops and Post-Show Talkbacks.

School Assembly: First Choice & A Second Chance This program begins with an introduction video aimed at knocking down the stigma attached to substance use disorder, educating the audience on the current drug epidemic, and setting the stage for a powerful, honest and heartfelt story. During interviews with Stephen’s family, it becomes clear he had a great childhood. “No one saw this coming.” Through sharing his lived experience, Stephen shows how mental health struggles can lead to addiction, the consequences of substance use, and how stigma prevented him from asking for help and contributed to his inability to recover. His storytelling technique allows each individual person to draw conclusions in their own meaningful way as it relates to their own life. By focusing on the progression of his dependence—beginning to end—attendees will gain a better understanding of how the choices they make today will affect them, and those around them, for the rest of their lives. The trifecta gateway drugs of nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana introduced to Stephen in 8th grade by older peers was just the beginning, eventually leading to self-destructive behaviors, criminal convictions, and a deadly opioid addiction that Stephen directly states he would have never made it out alive if fentanyl was as prevalent during his addiction as it is today. He takes you through his struggles and extremely difficult times, then slowly transitions into sobriety—emphasizing that recovery is possible. Through practicing gratitude, healthy routines, and changing his mindset to view his challenges as opportunities to inspire others, profound changes began to happen in Stephen’s life. The pivotal moment occurred just before he celebrated one year of recovery. Stephen was given a second chance to turn his mess into a message by working in the field of addiction treatment and prevention. From there, he gained the confidence to share his story, go back to college and eventually law school. Today, he speaks all across the country to inspire others to lead healthy, substance-free lives. Attendees will leave this program better educated on mental health and substance use, with practical tools and coping skills to work through challenges, a better understanding of the ripple effect—how our actions influence and impact others, and with a goal-oriented mindset to build a life worth protecting. Breakout Sessions: Break the Silence As a follow-up to the assembly, breakout sessions build on Stephen’s talk and focus on reinforcing key concepts. These sessions offer students a unique chance to ask personal questions and engage in open discussions in a comfortable, intimate setting. Each session delves deeper into the most crucial topics covered in the assembly, allowing students to ask relevant questions and share their takeaways. Typically held in Health and PE classes, these sessions can be tailored to specific grades or customized schedules. Stephen’s Breakout Session worksheet allows students to submit anonymous responses, fostering honesty and openness. The anonymous data collected offers critical insights for schools, helping them identify areas where further support or follow-up might be necessary. Additionally, these insights can be used to reinforce the positive takeaways from Stephen's message throughout the school year, ensuring that the impact of the sessions continues to resonate with students long after the program concludes. Assembly/Workshop: Know the Law, Save a Life An interactive program educating high school seniors on laws related to drugs and alcohol, as well as the legal and moral consequences of their actions. Stephen begins by qualifying himself through sharing his experience on both sides of the law, both as a defendant during his struggles with substance use and now as a defense attorney in recovery. Students learn basic courtroom terms, criminal laws, civil laws, and the potential penalties and liability that can follow from breaking these laws. Stephen gives fact patterns with real life scenarios so students can see how these laws play out in situations young people are faced with everyday. Some of the laws covered are the Good Samaritan Law, DWI/DUI & Zero Tolerance, Vehicular Homicide, Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Deaths, Social Host Liability, Providing Alcohol to Minors, Fake IDs, Hazing, Affirmative Consent to Sexual Activity, and Defamation of Character. Stephen also covers fentanyl and the misperception of harm due to the legalization of marijuana. Professional Development: Transforming Youth Discipline & Justice with Restorative Practices Transforming school discipline and criminal justice policies from punitive to restorative practices for youth struggling with substance use disorder not only saves lives—it builds lives worth defending. School administrators and law enforcement face significant challenges to find the most effective response when a young person—anyone under the age of 25—breaks the law or violates a code of conduct for drugs and alcohol. Stephen Hill brings extensive personal and professional experience on this topic. His unique perspective comes from his work as a criminal defense attorney with a focus on drug and alcohol related offenses, recovery coach, and youth motivational speaker. His work was inspired by his own adverse childhood experiences—out-of-school suspensions, removal from school sports teams, felony convictions—the labels and stigma that came with it, and the trauma that followed. We often hear administrators and law enforcement, when faced with an individual who violated the law or code of conduct, must make decisions by balancing the best interests of the individual and the community. Stephen’s training helps people recognize how the best interests of individual offenders and communities align more than most people think. Through sharing his personal testimony and advocacy work today, Stephen reveals innovative solutions for schools and communities to develop systems to achieve better outcomes for young people facing behavioral and/or criminal justice challenges because of substance use disorder or a co-occurring disorder. At the end of this session participants will be able to: Recognize situations, when dealing with youth discipline and justice, that require restorative practices to achieve better outcomes Explain why punishment is not effective for specific or general deterrence for youth struggling with substance use disorder or a co-occurring disorder Communicate the ideology and evidence behind restorative practices—particularly for youth—so more people in their community can understand and support restorative practices Develop systems and procedures for youth discipline and justice that add more protective factors rather than removing them with strictly punitive measures

Move 2B Moved LLC provides engaging movement education, dance enrichment, performance coaching, and creative arts programming for K–12 students and school communities. Programs use purposeful movement, dance, mindfulness, and creative expression to support confidence, communication, creativity, body awareness, social-emotional development, and connection. Services include dance and creative movement workshops, school enrichment programs, artist residencies, choreography and performance preparation, movement and performance coaching, mindful movement experiences, and customized programming designed around a school's specific goals. Move 2B Moved creates inclusive, supportive learning environments where students of varying abilities and movement experience can participate, explore, create, and express themselves. Programs are available as single workshops, multi-week enrichment programs, residencies, performance projects, and customized school partnerships. **Purpose • Intention • Connection**

Author, speaker, and youth mover, Brandon Lee White has motivated roughly half a million youth in 48 states over the past 15 years. He helps students take ownership of living a better life from the inside out. He teaches character education, leadership, mental health, anti-bullying, and more. Born unable to speak, Brandon shares his journey from outcast to school president, and in some speeches, he shares his story about his 6-year battle with depression and being an “unmotivated motivational speaker.” Brandon has been seen on TLC, Discovery Health, Fit TV, and TEDx. 1. Super Students (45 min speech)(Grades K-2, 3-5) Everyone loves superheroes, but students don’t know how to apply that to their lives. Super Students teaches students that you don’t need super powers to be a Super Student, just super choices. Brandon teaches how to be courageous and have character regarding bullying, leadership, mental health and making positive/healthy choices. Lots of interaction, humor, and impact! Your entire school and even the teachers will love this presentation! 2. Own It! (45 min speech)(Grades 3-12) Ownership starts with having a clear vision of who you are, what you want, and how hard you’re willing to work. Brandon shares his struggles including mental health and bullying, and then points to the leaders and decisions that turned it all around. Expect lots of funny crowd interaction, thought-provoking examples, moving stories, and a powerful spoken word presentation. Students leave with a new sense of ownership in life and leadership and the motivation to make it happen. 3. Know Your Line (45 min speech)(Grades 4-12) Substance abuse can destroy potential. Goals, dreams, and lives can be ruined through addiction, accidents, and destructive choices. Brandon presents this topic with a balance of fun and seriousness while helping them know their line in which they won’t cross 4. Let It Move (45-60 min interactive workshop)(Grades 4-12) Participants learn leadership through ballroom dance. Positive communication, risk-taking, teamwork, goal-setting, and discipline are all covered in a way that will stick in your memory. It’s a fun and educational way to “break the ice” and get youth moving. This workshop can include total crowd participation or select volunteers depending upon request and space availability. (Maximum occupancy contingent upon space and sound equipment)

Ithaca Children’s Garden (ICG) offers hands-on, play- and nature-based learning opportunities that support curiosity, creativity, and environmental understanding. Programs include Pop-Up Play Days — playworker-led experiences using open-ended “loose parts” that spark imagination and child-directed exploration — hosted at schools or at ICG, as well as educator-guided field trips to our 3-acre Garden where students explore plants, habitats, and the rhythms of the seasons. ICG also brings learning directly into classrooms through interactive lessons on insects, gardening, food systems, and more that complement classroom curriculum through personalized, sensory-rich experiences.

Touches of Nykesa delivers structured, confidence-centered education that supports natural hair health, self-esteem, and identity development for youth and families. Our offerings are designed to be developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and scalable for schools, community organizations, and youth-serving institutions. Crown Confidence Workshops • Single-session or multi-week workshops focused on natural hair care, scalp health, and confidence-building • Hands-on, interactive learning that teaches students how to safely care for their hair and understand their unique textures • Instruction rooted in self-love, cultural pride, and positive identity formation • Inclusive, trauma-informed, and LGBTQ-affirming facilitation • Adaptable for classrooms, after-school programs, and community-based settings Lil’ Crowns Big Confidence Read-Aloud Workshops • Guided read-aloud sessions based on the Lil’ Crowns Big Confidence book series • Designed for early learners and elementary-aged youth • Focus on self-acceptance, confidence, and pride in natural hair • Interactive discussion, reflection, and age-appropriate engagement activities • Supports early literacy, emotional development, and positive self-image Hair Health & Wellness Education • Foundational instruction on hair science, scalp care, and healthy daily routines • Education on breakage prevention, protective practices, and long-term hair wellness • Early awareness around hair loss and sensitivity to children experiencing hair or scalp challenges Educational Materials & Student Takeaways • Work packets, reflection tools, and learning resources to reinforce instruction • Optional workbooks, hair care kits, and certificates of completion for extended programs • Materials designed to support continued learning beyond the workshop Product-Based Learning & Support • Access to plant-based, science-informed haircare products • Ingredient education to promote safe, informed product use • Hair care kits for workshops, home use, or ongoing support Community & Institutional Partnerships • Customizable programming aligned with organizational goals and student needs • Scalable delivery for small groups or large cohorts • Professional, consistent facilitation with an emphasis on outcomes and impact Touches of Nykesa offers more than programming—we provide intentional, confidence-building education that equips youth with knowledge, pride, and practical skills they can carry into adulthood.

The Hyde Collection is a historic home and world-class art museum in Glens Falls, NY, with distinguished collections of European and American art. The Hyde Collection welcomes schools or groups with school-age students (pre-K through college or other school age groups ie: homeschool, exchange student program, etc.) to engage with our permanent collection and special exhibition spaces. Education staff is happy to customize our tour activities to meet the needs of the students and goals of school curriculum. Tours are often accompanied by an art making component. Curriculum connections include NY History, European History, Art Education, Language, English Language Arts, Social Studies, and more. School tours are free of charge to students. This is made possible through the generosity of our donors.