On Monday, March 30, Joel Penton spoke to Merrill’s middle and high school students.
The forum, which began in 1978, brings in speakers to the Merrill Area Public Schools (MAPS), to the benefit of the district’s students. The following individuals and businesses donated funds to pay for this year’s speaker: Alan Malm, Reindl Printing, Inc., CoVantage Credit Union – Antigo, Dr. Ronald J. Piffl, Optometrist LLC, Prairie River Properties, Park City Realty, Park City Credit Union, Church Mutual Insurance Co., Lincoln Community Bank, Kiwanis Club of Greater Merrill, Hadley Office Products, Inc., Waid Funeral Home, Dieter Nickel, Riverside Athletic Club, Eagles Auxiliary, Weinbrenner Shoe Co., Eagles Aerie 584, Center Attractions, Oakpark Dental, Ministry Health Care, Gleason Lions Club, Merrill Federal Savings & Loan, VFW Auxiliary 1638 and Social Topics Club.
“The Merrill Great Speakers Forum is an extremely valuable program in our district, and one that benefits students greatly,” said Wally Leipart, Superintendent of MAPS. “It is wonderful to receive this type of support from the community and we want to thank you.”
Traditionally, forum speakers have covered areas like self-esteem, self-worth, dignity of person, pride in self, goals and achievement, patriotism and coping with the problems of modern society. This year’s message from Mr. Penton focused on standing your ground and to staying committed to what you believe and what you want to achieve in life.
“It is great to see our community come together to support an educational forum that has been benefiting students for 37 years,” said Leipart.
In addition to Penton, the Merrill Great Speakers Forum has featured Green Bay Packer Brian Noble; paraplegic Matt Glowacki; The Ovation Company founder, Stu Cabe; and author, journalist, and long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad. The forum is funded entirely through donations.