Testimonials
Schools
"This was a very powerful, moving experience for our students and staff. He brings home the message about choices and their potential life-threatening consequences. His delivery hooks the audience and keeps them engaged."
Jane Dargatz, Principal, Sycamore Middle School, Sycamore, IL
"I highly recommend Mark."
Virginia Eaves, Principal, Madison H.S., San Diego, CA
"Mark's message was well-spoken and relevant to every member of the audience. Mark is a master teacher."
Julianne M. Zedalis, Bishop's School, San Diego, CA
"I've attended many substance abuse-related assemblies. Never has anyone touched me as deeply as you did."
Gloria A. Andujar, Bishop's School, San Diego, CA
"The talk had a great impact on many kids and on me."
Ingrid Sanders, Red Ribbon Week Chairman, USDHS
"I also know they appreciated your sense of humor."
Leila Keshain, Castle Park High School
"Really hit home and captured the attention of the crowd. This was the best informational we have ever had."
Robert Keechele, Poway High School
"It was gratifying to see them so intent and eager to grasp what you were sharing…"
Dennis Morrow, Driver's Education Instructor
"This…had much more impact on them than the private curriculum!"
Teri Capoot, Kroc Middle School
"This experience has truly empowered students to make healthier choices…I recommend Mark's very effective presentation."
Daniel S. Hamada, Kaui Complex Area Supervisor, Hawaii
Jane Dargatz, Principal, Sycamore Middle School, Sycamore, IL
"I highly recommend Mark."
Virginia Eaves, Principal, Madison H.S., San Diego, CA
"Mark's message was well-spoken and relevant to every member of the audience. Mark is a master teacher."
Julianne M. Zedalis, Bishop's School, San Diego, CA
"I've attended many substance abuse-related assemblies. Never has anyone touched me as deeply as you did."
Gloria A. Andujar, Bishop's School, San Diego, CA
"The talk had a great impact on many kids and on me."
Ingrid Sanders, Red Ribbon Week Chairman, USDHS
"I also know they appreciated your sense of humor."
Leila Keshain, Castle Park High School
"Really hit home and captured the attention of the crowd. This was the best informational we have ever had."
Robert Keechele, Poway High School
"It was gratifying to see them so intent and eager to grasp what you were sharing…"
Dennis Morrow, Driver's Education Instructor
"This…had much more impact on them than the private curriculum!"
Teri Capoot, Kroc Middle School
"This experience has truly empowered students to make healthier choices…I recommend Mark's very effective presentation."
Daniel S. Hamada, Kaui Complex Area Supervisor, Hawaii
Students
"Last weekend, I was drinking and driving. After hearing you, I promise, I will never do that again."
High School Student, Bishop's High School
"Thank you for opening my eyes. Your advice will always remain inside of me when I drive."
Jesse L.
"From your story I'm sure I will never drink and drive."
Breana
"I will never forget what you have taught us."
Jessica H.
"Your story was very influential and could stop teenagers from doing things which can ruin their lives."
Carla
"You changed my thinking about driving under the influence."
Aaron C.
"Your story opened my eyes and let me see how horrible it would be if I drink and drive."
Sierra
"I now would never get into a car with a driver who was under the influence."
Anthony G.
"I was so touched by your story…you really changed my life to better ways."
Alejandra T.
"Since the day you talked to our class I haven't gotten in a car with a drunk driver and I haven't gotten drunk either. I know now that the decisions you make now will affect you for the rest of your life."
Jose O.
"Your message is really strong and important to us teenagers."
Jose R.
"I knew you changed me with your story about getting in the car with people who are drunk. You really touched my heart."
Sam G.
"I had never thought of the consequences that could happen to me or somebody else. I think you have changed and saved many lives."
Stacy Mae N.
"I learned that no matter what, my dreams affect everyone around me."
Jennifer W.
"I have learned so much and have shared your story with many other people."
Catherine B.
"I have learned that you should always think of the decisions you make and what the outcome of it might be."
Asmah A.
High School Student, Bishop's High School
"Thank you for opening my eyes. Your advice will always remain inside of me when I drive."
Jesse L.
"From your story I'm sure I will never drink and drive."
Breana
"I will never forget what you have taught us."
Jessica H.
"Your story was very influential and could stop teenagers from doing things which can ruin their lives."
Carla
"You changed my thinking about driving under the influence."
Aaron C.
"Your story opened my eyes and let me see how horrible it would be if I drink and drive."
Sierra
"I now would never get into a car with a driver who was under the influence."
Anthony G.
"I was so touched by your story…you really changed my life to better ways."
Alejandra T.
"Since the day you talked to our class I haven't gotten in a car with a drunk driver and I haven't gotten drunk either. I know now that the decisions you make now will affect you for the rest of your life."
Jose O.
"Your message is really strong and important to us teenagers."
Jose R.
"I knew you changed me with your story about getting in the car with people who are drunk. You really touched my heart."
Sam G.
"I had never thought of the consequences that could happen to me or somebody else. I think you have changed and saved many lives."
Stacy Mae N.
"I learned that no matter what, my dreams affect everyone around me."
Jennifer W.
"I have learned so much and have shared your story with many other people."
Catherine B.
"I have learned that you should always think of the decisions you make and what the outcome of it might be."
Asmah A.
Rehab Centers
"Mark was an exceptional speaker who had a dramatic impact on the group…Mark showed us that humanity suffers from drug abuse and that it is not a victimless crime. Clients report he was the best planned activity we have had."
Bill Killiken, Rehab Center
"Mark's zestful way of presenting information and his love of life was very valuable. Everyone's choices in life do make a difference and we can all be affected by them as well."
Elizabeth Alcaraz, Drug and Alcohol Recovery Center
"The presentation was well organized, interesting and easy to understand. Our audience was adolescents in a drug and alcohol treatment program. They seemed captivated. Mark is an excellent speaker that I would recommend for anyone."
Dianne Gordon, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Counselor
"Your presentation was one of the most honest, informative presentations I have seen about the effects of drunk driving."
Marni Scivoletti, Social Work Intern
" your presentation really influenced the children's views on drunk driving."
Social Worker
"We all found your presentation to be very educational, spiritual, insightful, and most of all, influential."
Katherine Smith, Program Director, Vista, SD
"As usual, you wowed the inmates. They found you very inspirational. You made quite a profound impression."
One fellow said, "I feel cheated. Why haven't I had such an informative class before now!"
The last day of class, one of the students commented, "Mark Manion was the best part of the entire program!" I
couldn't agree more.
"It's really important for the students to know that there is forgiveness, even for them. They know they have a
lot of hard work ahead of them in rebuilding relationships. You give them hope. It's really beautiful."
"Several students related how difficult the struggle is to forgive themselves! You gave them hope that it is
possible."
Linda Crews
"Those who believe they are invincible to the effects of drugs and alcohol will be sobered by Mark's loss at the
hand of those who thought the same."
Mike Blankers, San Diego
Bill Killiken, Rehab Center
"Mark's zestful way of presenting information and his love of life was very valuable. Everyone's choices in life do make a difference and we can all be affected by them as well."
Elizabeth Alcaraz, Drug and Alcohol Recovery Center
"The presentation was well organized, interesting and easy to understand. Our audience was adolescents in a drug and alcohol treatment program. They seemed captivated. Mark is an excellent speaker that I would recommend for anyone."
Dianne Gordon, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Counselor
"Your presentation was one of the most honest, informative presentations I have seen about the effects of drunk driving."
Marni Scivoletti, Social Work Intern
" your presentation really influenced the children's views on drunk driving."
Social Worker
"We all found your presentation to be very educational, spiritual, insightful, and most of all, influential."
Katherine Smith, Program Director, Vista, SD
"As usual, you wowed the inmates. They found you very inspirational. You made quite a profound impression."
One fellow said, "I feel cheated. Why haven't I had such an informative class before now!"
The last day of class, one of the students commented, "Mark Manion was the best part of the entire program!" I
couldn't agree more.
"It's really important for the students to know that there is forgiveness, even for them. They know they have a
lot of hard work ahead of them in rebuilding relationships. You give them hope. It's really beautiful."
"Several students related how difficult the struggle is to forgive themselves! You gave them hope that it is
possible."
Linda Crews
"Those who believe they are invincible to the effects of drugs and alcohol will be sobered by Mark's loss at the
hand of those who thought the same."
Mike Blankers, San Diego
Military - Police
"Your compelling life story provided a powerful message for the sailors and resulted in our safety stand-down being a complete success."
D.P. Gluker, Commander, U.S. Navy
"This was a moving class. I can't imagine anyone who sat through this class ever drinking and driving or letting a drunk driver go."
Police Academy, San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute
"Mark was an excellent speaker, and exactly what we needed in our unit for our safety stand-down."
Gunman Sgt. Klaus Owens, 3d LAAD Bn
"Mark Manion was a phenominal speaker. Mark's message really hit home, the presentation has changed many people's outlook on drinking and driving."
"Hearing from someone who was impacted by drinking and driving and is in a wheelchair proved to be far more effective than listening to a PowerPoint presentation from an individual standing on his or her own two feet."
"Listening to the tragic life-changing events truly struck a chord with the audience."
"I would sternly recommend the presentation to any group at any venue."
Lt. JG Mike O'Sullivan, U.S. Navy, Helicopter Squadron
"Mark's plight put a face to the horror stories of victims of drunk driving."
Student, Police Academy
"Mark's story is direct evidence on why we should not give anyone a break with drinking and driving."
Student, Police Academy
"Mr. Manion has a very inspiring life story and definitely motivates me to arrest drunk drivers."
Student, Police Academy
"Your story is very powerful and compelling, and your sharing it with us served to heighten our collective sensitivities to making good choices with regard to drinking and driving. You make a difference in our lives."
John B. Sturges III, Captain, U.S. Navy
"Sharing your story will impact our Marines and their future actions."
B.A. Hines, Commanding Officer, USMC
"Your presentation was informative and beneficial as well as entertaining and increased our awareness towards this serious issue."
A.M. Garcia, Commander, U.S. Navy
D.P. Gluker, Commander, U.S. Navy
"This was a moving class. I can't imagine anyone who sat through this class ever drinking and driving or letting a drunk driver go."
Police Academy, San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute
"Mark was an excellent speaker, and exactly what we needed in our unit for our safety stand-down."
Gunman Sgt. Klaus Owens, 3d LAAD Bn
"Mark Manion was a phenominal speaker. Mark's message really hit home, the presentation has changed many people's outlook on drinking and driving."
"Hearing from someone who was impacted by drinking and driving and is in a wheelchair proved to be far more effective than listening to a PowerPoint presentation from an individual standing on his or her own two feet."
"Listening to the tragic life-changing events truly struck a chord with the audience."
"I would sternly recommend the presentation to any group at any venue."
Lt. JG Mike O'Sullivan, U.S. Navy, Helicopter Squadron
"Mark's plight put a face to the horror stories of victims of drunk driving."
Student, Police Academy
"Mark's story is direct evidence on why we should not give anyone a break with drinking and driving."
Student, Police Academy
"Mr. Manion has a very inspiring life story and definitely motivates me to arrest drunk drivers."
Student, Police Academy
"Your story is very powerful and compelling, and your sharing it with us served to heighten our collective sensitivities to making good choices with regard to drinking and driving. You make a difference in our lives."
John B. Sturges III, Captain, U.S. Navy
"Sharing your story will impact our Marines and their future actions."
B.A. Hines, Commanding Officer, USMC
"Your presentation was informative and beneficial as well as entertaining and increased our awareness towards this serious issue."
A.M. Garcia, Commander, U.S. Navy
Churches
"Mark Manion's story is one of God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness. His courage and strength are truly an inspiration to everyone he meets. You will be both encouraged and challenged by this moving story."
Mike De Vito, Southwest Regional Coordinator, National Network of Youth Ministries
"The students are in awe of how your determination and faith has brought you through so much adversity with such a positive outlook."
"If you are looking for a model of courage, faith, and endurance, you will find it in the life and story of Mark Manion."
Richard Dresselhaus, Pastor (retired) Assembly of God
"I'm always awed by the power of God working through you. The Holy spirit directed your attention to one who desperately needs healing."
Linda Crews
" his positive attitude and faith in God makes him an awesome testimony."
Pat Henry, Creston, Iowa
"Mark's story speaks of tremendous loss, yet great hope in a loving and forgiving God. The miracle is that rather that turning inward and giving up on life, Mark chose to look outward and upward by beating the odds to live a life of victory. Mark's story is gripping from the very beginning and continues to challenge all of us to consider how we approach life. No matter the age of the listener all will be encouraged and challenged by Mark's story."
Mike Blanker, Lead High School Pastor, North Coast Church, Vista, CA
"I am a strong believer and it took me to a new place in my faith."
Paulina
"I learned that we should believe in miracles. It is important to believe in miracles because even in the darkest hours a miracle can happen like yours."
Noel
"One student commented that he thought he'd come along way in forgiving, healing, and thinking more positively, until he met you…"
"One of the students was extremely impressed with the love of God that shines through you. You always impress the students with your forgiveness and positive attitude."
Mike De Vito, Southwest Regional Coordinator, National Network of Youth Ministries
"The students are in awe of how your determination and faith has brought you through so much adversity with such a positive outlook."
"If you are looking for a model of courage, faith, and endurance, you will find it in the life and story of Mark Manion."
Richard Dresselhaus, Pastor (retired) Assembly of God
"I'm always awed by the power of God working through you. The Holy spirit directed your attention to one who desperately needs healing."
Linda Crews
" his positive attitude and faith in God makes him an awesome testimony."
Pat Henry, Creston, Iowa
"Mark's story speaks of tremendous loss, yet great hope in a loving and forgiving God. The miracle is that rather that turning inward and giving up on life, Mark chose to look outward and upward by beating the odds to live a life of victory. Mark's story is gripping from the very beginning and continues to challenge all of us to consider how we approach life. No matter the age of the listener all will be encouraged and challenged by Mark's story."
Mike Blanker, Lead High School Pastor, North Coast Church, Vista, CA
"I am a strong believer and it took me to a new place in my faith."
Paulina
"I learned that we should believe in miracles. It is important to believe in miracles because even in the darkest hours a miracle can happen like yours."
Noel
"One student commented that he thought he'd come along way in forgiving, healing, and thinking more positively, until he met you…"
"One of the students was extremely impressed with the love of God that shines through you. You always impress the students with your forgiveness and positive attitude."
email: Mark@Markspeaksout.com