References
Positive feedback from previous speaking engagements and meetings.
SPOKE WITH SENSITIVITY AND EMOTION
Our Norwich Free Academy Senior Class of 2019 had the opportunity to have Mike Panus present his life story to us recently. Mike's presentation was powerful and inspiring to our seniors. The students were engrossed in his personal account and engaged actively in his question and answer session at the end.
His message of accepting responsibility and living with integrity was very appropriate to this age group. He spoke from the heart with sensitivity and emotion. He also weaved our school message of "Respect and Responsibility" nicely into the presentation.
I believe we will be making Mike's assembly an annual event for our Senior Class. As one of our students said to me, "That was the best assembly I've ever attended."
Thomas O’Rourke
Bradlaw House Principal
Norwich Free Academy
A POWERFUL LESSON
This past Fall, we had the privilege of having Michael come and share his story with our students.
His approach was welcomed and despite the nature of his story, our students listened quite intently. The experience that Michael had endured and the consequences that followed were expressed forthright and never once did he have the “Woe is me” attitude or deflect from any responsibility. Our students were engrossed in his every word and I believe they realized that there were lessons to be learned from Michael’s personal tragic issues. His advice on this matter was well received. The impact of his presentation moved many of our students to approach him afterwards with many questions.
Michael’s story truly is a powerful lesson for our young people. It’s one that teaches the importance of making wise decisions and keeping in mind the consequences that can happen due to poor choices. His honesty and frankness is very compelling.
We’re grateful that he came and shared his story with us. It is our sincere hope that other schools will follow suit and invite Michael too. His story is a life changer.
Sincerely,
Patricia Feeney
Principal
A PROFOUND IMPACT
Mike Panus’ powerful presentation at Griswold High School was an inspiration to our students and staff!
His ability to connect with those around him is incredible! As High School Principal, I find it vital we prepare our students for life after school, inclusive of the impact our decisions have on our future. Mike was able to take very sensitive, and important, personal life experiences and connect with an
auditorium full of high school students! This is certainly no easy task. It was amazing to see teenagers sit absolutely silent while completely engaged in every
facet of Mike’s presentation.
The impact was profound, as evidenced by the line of students that stayed following the presentation to shake Mike’s hand, thank him, and make a personal connection to what Mike had shared. It was truly touching to witness! I know this meaningful opportunity helped our students to understand the importance of the choices they make, no matter how big or how small, and the impact those choices have on their lives and the lives of those around them.
Thank you, Mike! You are a true inspiration!
Erin Palonen
Principal
Griswold High School
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
It is my pleasure to write this testimonial for Michael D. Panus. Griswold High School was fortunate to have Michael at GHS to present his message to our faculty and students in May of 2017.
He has a true story no one will ever forget. A story of going from unbelievable tragedy to motivating, inspiring, and teaching young adults the very real consequences of decision-making. His honest and emotional presentation resonated with the Griswold students and faculty.
I was overwhelmed with his enthusiasm, inspiration, and motivation for life. I highly recommend Michael to any school or educational institution seeking a dynamic and engaging speaker.
Sincerely,
Stephen Cravinho
Campus Wide Athletic and Activities Director,
Griswold Public Schools
REal and authentic
To Whom It May Concern, 11/1/16
I am writing this letter of recommendation on Michael D. Panus. I had the pleasure of meeting Michael in February of 2015 when he accepted an invitation to be a guest speaker at EASTCONN’s Educational and Vocational Center (EVC) in Columbia. EVC is an alternative high school, and I run the vocational internship program for the high school students. As part of that program, I invite in guest speakers that can impact our students to make good choices; in life, at work and in their personal life.
When I first met Michael, I was impressed right away with his sincerity and humility. In setting up Michael’s presentation, I had talked to him over the phone, and he had told me his story. He invited me to research him on-line to ensure I knew all about what he had done. When he arrived, I was unsure of how he would tell his story. I wondered how he would frame his narrative of how as a young man he had made a poor decision that ended up costing another man his life. I wondered about what he would say, and equally important, what would he not say.
When Michael began to talk, he told his story without a trace of self-pity. He told my students about how he had a drinking problem that was ignored, and of the terrible consequences of not addressing this sooner. His manner was quiet but authoritative and my students were riveted. Michael told them “You can ask me anything,” and they did. He did not shy away from any question or deflect responsibility in any way. He was real, and this authenticity made him tremendously effective. Michael was so compelling that I also invited him to be a guest speaker at another EASTCONN school in Putnam (Northeast Regional Program). At NRP, Michael had the same kind of effect on my students. They too were fascinated, and listened with rapt attention. My students were deeply moved by his story, and I could hear them vow to not make that same mistake.
In the future, I can envision Michael having a greater and greater impact on the lives of young people everywhere as he tells his story. His compelling personal testimony, combined with the passion and sincerity of his efforts to make a difference, make for a dynamic presentation. He tells it without a trace of self-pity or of a desire to have his audience feel sorry for him. There are many motivational and inspirational speakers in the marketplace, but his story is unique, compelling and powerfully moving.
I can recommend without hesitation Michael as a person who can change lives. You will not find another speaker quite like him. Please do not hesitate to contact with any questions that you may have.
Sincerely,
Mitchell M. Sibley-Jett
Vocational Coordinator EASTCONN
14 Route 66,
Columbia, CT 06237
1.860.377.7712
"Today's Kind of inspiration"
The word Inspiration comes from from the Latin 'Inspirare' or 'to breathe into'.
It also comes the Old English meaning to literally to be "In Spirit". From today's vernacular, it simply means to be "mentally stimulated to feel something or do something".
And in today's fast moving world full of its complexities, it seems like we are all looking for some kind of inspiration. To lose weight, find love, improve a relationship, find a better job, or just clean the house after we get the kids off to school. At various times in our lives, we all need someone to encourage us and to lift us up. To let us know that this thing we call 'Life' is a Journey, not a destination. That its constantly evolving and, like our famous New England Weather, sometimes you just have to get through the clouds of today to see the bright blue sky that begins tomorrow anew.
The question is: How do you find it? Who can you turn to? The short answer is you find someone you trust. Someone with Integrity. Someone who has been there. Someone who has tasted the bitter pills that Life makes us all swallow but also understands what medicine it takes to get better. Michael is such a person.
I have know Michael for many years and, as a management educator myself, I understand full well the need for integrity when speaking. People who have 'been there, done that'. People who know from experience and can relate. Michael is such a person and listening to him speak it is clear that his message not only comes from his experience, but that it comes from his heart.
His enthusiasm for life is infectious; his message is inspiring. And when I'm given the privilege of listening to him talk about his life, I always leave the moment mentally stimulated to think better, act better, and to BE better.
Listen to him speak. Hear his message. I'm sure you will feel the same way. He is today's kind of Inspiration.
Jim Hayes
Testimonial 4
Hi Michael,
I just wanted you to know that I believe I know your story. Is this related to Richard Bronson?
You should be very proud of yourself for telling your story and for trying to make a positive impact on our young children.
Look forward to seeing you again on the 19th.
A MAN ON A VISION QUEST. . .
To Whom It May Concern:
In April of 2017, Alfa Company was proud to host Mr. Mike Panus as the 2016-2017 Alcohol Awareness Guest Speaker to the Corps of Cadets. Mr. Panus has a tragic story that we all can benefit from. He was just like us saying this will never happen to me... except that it did.
His credibility as a Marine veteran resonated with our cadets as he imparted the lessons of experience in a passionate effort to keep others from learning the way he did. His palpable energy and enthusiasm made a good connection as one who has lived the shame of his poor decisions from a single night that forever changed his life. This man is on a vision quest to change the world with his cautionary message balancing positivity with the grim realities of the consequences of his actions of February 5th, 2005 as the black ice combined with his blood alcohol content and the tree around a curve on Route 169 in Lisbon.
His regret is genuine; his remorse compelling; his professional presence redeeming as his authentic message pays tribute to his friend, Richard Bronson, such that his family's loss will not have been in vain if it can connect and change the behavior of just one person. At your venue, he surely will.
Sincerely,
Jon Heller, Commander, USCG (ret.)
Director, Admiral James M. Loy Institute for Leadership U.S. Coast Guard Academy
"Very Professional"
I’m writing this letter in recommendation for Mr. Michael Panus, motivational speaker. Mr. Panus came to our school, Ellis Tech, and spoke to our student-athletes in February 2017. Michael brings a very important message to students and people of all ages. The message was that poor decision making can have a huge impact on your entire world around you, and you don’t want to live with regrets of poor decision making.
Mr. Panus was very professional in both attire and presentation. His presentation was relevant, as something of this topic always is, but he is relatable to the youth that he speaks to. His personality is one of infectious optimism, which shows a great deal about his character considering all that he has been through. His story is true, and local, having been a student himself in Eastern Connecticut, many students could put themselves in his shoes. Mr. Panus was very responsive to questions from the students and staff, and was easy to work with when it came to scheduling his session and fitting it into a busy school schedule.
In today’s day where accountability is high but student entitlement is also very apparent, it is a good message to demonstrate to students that their actions have consequences. He would be a perfect addition to a pre-prom or pre-graduation assembly where his message would directly relate to the theme. I personally hope to have Mr. Panus back at Ellis Tech and I believe your school or organization, if it deals with teenage students, would be fortunate to have Mr. Panus present and speak.