School Runnings · K-12 and universities
Motivational Speaker for Schools, Students and Educators
Three-time Olympian Devon Harris brings the true story behind Cool Runnings to school assemblies, staff development days and university events, with programs for every age from kindergarten to college.
✓ K-12 assemblies ✓ Teacher and staff programs
✓ Colleges and universities ✓ Programs for parents
Grades K-12 · Colleges · Educators
Who it's for
A Program for Every Part of Your School Community
Choose the audience you are planning for. Every program is tailored to the age of the group and the goals of your school.
Grades K-5
Yes, I Can!
Dream big, believe in yourself and work as a team, in a lively, interactive program based on Devon's children's book.
Grades 6-12
Choices, courage and persistence
Real stories that help students take responsibility, resist negative influences and keep going when school gets hard.
Teachers and staff
Collaborating for student success
A practical, funny session on teamwork, trust and communication for faculty, staff and administrators.
Colleges and universities
Hot lessons from Cool Runnings
Keynotes for student and campus events, including a program on success through diversity.
Why schools book Devon
Students Know the Movie. Devon Lived the Story.
01
The real story behind Cool Runnings
Devon was an original member of the 1988 Jamaican bobsled team that inspired the Disney film, and went on to compete in three Winter Olympic Games.
02
Highly interactive, never a lecture
Devon's school programs are highly interactive, so students take part in the story and connect it to their own goals.
03
A message built for your grade level
From kindergarten to university, Devon tailors each program to the age of the group and to your school's goals, using a pre-event survey and a call with your team.
04
A role model with a real journey
He grew up in Olympic Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica, graduated from Sandhurst, served as an army officer, and is a parent of five and a children's author.
School programs
School Assembly and Staff Programs
Five programs for students and educators, each tailored to your audience and available in person or virtually.
01
Grades K-12
School Runnings: Yes, I Can!
Based on the story of the first Jamaican Olympic bobsled team and Devon's children's book of the same name, this highly interactive program encourages students to look past the challenges in front of them to the possibilities inside each of them. Devon links what it took to become an Olympian to what it takes to succeed in school.
Students learn how to
✓ Set goals
✓ Develop self-belief
✓ Succeed through teamwork
✓ Keep going when things get hard
02
Middle and high school
School Runnings: The Power of Choice
Whatever family you were born into, wherever you grew up and whatever you face along the way, nothing gets you where you want to go like understanding your full potential. Through powerful stories from his own life, Devon shows students how to tap into what is already inside them and step into their greatness.
Students learn that
✓ Their choices shape the direction of their lives
✓ Taking personal responsibility matters
✓ They can overcome negative influences
✓ Academic achievement is worth embracing
✓ High-risk behavior is worth avoiding
03
High school and college
Hot Lessons from Cool Runnings
Devon weaves the real, improbable story of the Jamaican bobsled team together with the Disney film Cool Runnings, and draws out the life lessons he and his teammates learned along the way, lessons students can use right away in school and in life.
Students learn how to
✓ Use the power of visualization
✓ Define success on their own terms
✓ Conquer fear with courage
✓ Build confidence and reach their goals
✓ Persist against the odds
04
Teachers, staff and administrators
School Runnings: Collaborating for Student Success
As a bobsled captain, Sandhurst graduate and former army officer, Devon knows what it takes to build a winning team under pressure. He connects those lessons to how educators, staff and parents can work together so every student has a better chance to succeed, with plenty of humor along the way.
Your team learns how to
✓ Build a strong team and real collaboration
✓ Build trust and strengthen relationships
✓ Improve communication and resolve conflict
✓ Engage students and parents
05
Educators, high school and college
School Runnings: Success Through Diversity
From Olympic Gardens in Kingston to the Winter Olympics, Sandhurst and the Jamaica Defence Force, and on to a new life in the United States, Devon's journey gives him a unique view of how people and schools succeed by embracing diversity and everyone's unique perspective.
Your audience learns how to
✓ Understand and embrace different and evolving cultural identities
✓ Improve relationships through open, honest, respectful communication
✓ Create an affirming environment and remove barriers to equity
✓ Support personal growth
Devon's children's book
Yes, I Can!
As a parent of five, Devon knows how the right story can inspire kids to dream big. That is why he wrote the story of the Jamaican bobsled team in rhyme. Yes, I Can! tells children that the power to succeed is already inside them, through perseverance and belief in themselves and others.
The book is the heart of the elementary program, and it gives parents and teachers an easy way to keep the lessons going at home and in class.
Lessons for parents and teachers“
So all of you kids who are in school,
Enjoy your lessons, for learning is cool.
And even when the work gets too hard, it seems,
Never forget to follow your dreams.
From Yes, I Can! by Devon Harris
Schools, colleges and youth organizations
Trusted by Educators and Youth Leaders
Columbia University
West Virginia University
Tulane University
Truman University
St. John's University
Siena College
Full Sail University
Creighton University
“
On behalf of the Alabama Community College System of Alabama, I would like to express our appreciation for your very informative and entertaining presentation. Your presentation was excellent and we received such positive feedback. We look forward to welcoming you back to speak in the future.
Jefferson State College
“
Devon's inspirational story of personal triumph and testament on the values of leadership were a perfect fit for our organization. His professionalism, positive attitude and friendliness served us well.
Oregon Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America
Planning a school visit
Bringing a Motivational Speaker to Your School
Tailored to your school
Devon learns about your students, staff and goals through a quick prep call and his pre-event survey.
In person or virtual
Programs can be delivered in your gym, auditorium or lecture hall, or live online for remote and hybrid audiences.
Simple setup
Devon uses a short introductory video and slides. You provide a projector, screen, laptop and, ideally, a wireless lavalier microphone.
One visit, several groups
Talk to Devon's team about pairing a student assembly with a staff or parent session on the same visit.
School Program FAQ
What grade levels does Devon speak to?
Devon speaks to students from kindergarten through high school, to college and university students, and to teachers, staff, administrators and parents. Each program above shows the ages it is designed for, and every program is adjusted to the age of the group.
Can Devon speak to students and staff on the same visit?
Many schools want to reach both. Talk to Devon's team about pairing a student assembly with a staff or parent session on the same visit.
Does Devon offer virtual school assemblies?
Yes. Devon delivers live virtual and hybrid programs, which work well for remote classes and district-wide sessions.
How does Devon tailor a program to our school?
Before the visit, Devon holds a prep call with your team and uses his pre-event survey to learn about your students, your staff and your goals, so the message fits your school and your theme.
How much does it cost to bring Devon to our school?
Fees depend on the date, location and format, and on how many sessions you would like. Send your details through the form on this page and Devon's team will reply with availability and fees, usually within 24 hours.
Check availability
Bring Devon Harris to Your School
Tell us your date, your school or campus, and who you would like Devon to speak to. His team replies within 24 hours with availability, fees and program options.
✓ Assemblies, staff development and campus events
✓ In person or virtual
✓ Tailored to your grade levels and goals
Prefer to talk?
speaker@devonharris.com · 844-853-3766
School program inquiry