Speaker Motivates School Employees

DeSoto Sun Herald, by Sara Spas
August 2005

When the school employees entered the DeSoto Middle School cafeteria on Aug. 3 for the district luncheon, they knew they would delight in a homemade meal, great conversation and a motivational speaker. Little did they know just how much motivation one man could deliver.

"Scott Burrows has been thrown several challenges and welcomed each one with a positive attitude," said Superintendent Adrian H. Cline during the introduction. "It is that mindset that has gotten Mr. Burrows where he is today."

Burrows, who played football for Florida State University and received the honors for being number one in the state for the light-heavyweight kick boxing division, suffered a horrific automobile accident when he was 19.

He broke his neck, causing him to become a quadriplegic. A teen that seemed to have so much going for him was soon told that he would be confined to a wheelchair for the remainder of his life.

"A disappointment it was, a distraction it might be, but a discouragement it was not," said Cline. "Mr. Burrows rolled with the punches, and today he is a professional speaker, international business owner, wheelchair athlete and a published co-author."

Burrows took the stage to speak to more than 500 employees as they gathered prior to the opening of schools. He told of his experience, the depression he endured and the days of intense therapy. If the crowd were not already in tears listening to Burrows speak of past events, they were when he did something miraculous.

There were many who said, "I cannot believe this." There were some who said, "Oh my," and several who just cried in astonishment as they watched a man who was told he would never walk again and push back his wheelchair and speak for the next 40 minutes standing tall and proud.

"My daughter was paralyzed and told the same thing and she has walked again. I knew exactly what he was talking about," said Barrie Wolfe, a food-service worker. "That meant so much to me. Oh, he was so good."

Burrows proved to the school employees that day that an attitude adjustment can get one through any obstacle life delivers.

"We line in a world of constant change," said Cline. "We must do as Mr. Burrows and learn to rebound form our stresses and setbacks and enjoy a balanced life."

After the talk and the tears, the employees returned to their schools and offices with renewed energy. Although they left the building, the conversations did not end. Burrows welcomed the comments from the audience members as he autographed books and DVD's that he had available.

"If someone is having problems, when they see him and hear his story, it will make them feel like they can overcome just about anything," said Jena Roberts, a food-service employee. "He was just so inspiring."

Burrows stayed to visit with several who shared similar testimonials, whether the challenge was in the classroom, at home or a medical diagnosis.

"You got to keep swinging, "said Burrows. "No matter what happens this year, you must remember that and keep going."

Sara Spas is the DeSoto County Schools Public Relations Officer

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