RAVE REVIEWS!

"Thank you for coming out to the S.A.L.C, which is 1 of the 9 sites with Alternative Attendance Program serving at risk youth. We were so lucky to have you come out to SALC and 2 of other sites came too. We are very pleased with our Humber College Child and Youth Worker, Kristi, for connecting with you."                    < click here to read full letter >

Dawn Wildman, CYC
Alternative Programs - West Region

"I thought about the presentation from Spider all evening-I was so moved by his dedication and passion for young people "                    < click here to read full letter >

Donna Dolson, Contact Alternative School

“Spider Jones is a true symbol of hope and inspiration to our youth. Here is an individual who has overcome a life of insurmountable odds. His stay in school message is powerful and moving and has a tremendous impact on kids”

Cito Gaston, Former Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays

“Spider has one of the most extraordinary and touching stories I’ve ever heard. It is amazing to see the impact he has on students. His lessons on dealing with peer pressure, racial harmony, bullying and low self-esteem are incredibly insightful. He makes you believe nothing is impossible. The students were so receptive they actually mobbed him afterwards with tons of questions and requests for autographs”

Cathy Heany, Teacher, RA Sennet Public School

“Spider’s presentation held us spellbound. He is by far the most inspiring speaker I’ve ever witnessed”

John Sheremeta, Ontario Kinsman Clubs

“Spider delivers a tremendous message of hope and inspiration. I highly recommend him. It’s a message every student should hear”

Andrew Clarke, former Vice President, Metropolitan Toronto Police Association

“Spider Jones is one of the most dynamic speakers of our time. His message is filled with inspiration and hope. He has an overwhelming presence and his life story is an inspiration for all ages”

William Hunter, Chair and Faculty of Technology, Seneca College

“The reaction of the audience was astounding. Eight hundred students were totally in awe for the entre 40 minutes he spoke. His presentation is a powerful inspiration”

Peggy O’Donoghue, Teacher, Mayfield Secondary School

“It is utterly amazing to see how quickly he is able to capture the attention of a young audience. His presentation moves kids like nothing I’ve ever seen”.

George Chuvalo, Former heavyweight champion of Canada

“Spider’s speech truly invigorated our students. He was the topic of conversation for weeks. He’s a tremendous motivator and a great role model”

Paul Forbes, Athletic Director, St. Michael’s College

“Spider was excellent..I just wish we had more faculty and students present. He was very inspirational”

Confederation College

“Spider was absolutely incredible. With his determination in making his dreams come true, it is truly
inspirational to all. His life struggles and heartaches is more then one person can handle. All students that attended his presentation were absolutely moved and inspired. If this gentleman can go through all that his has been through and still be alive to share his story with others, then believing in a dream can truly be what motivates you each and everyday”.

Parkland Career and Job Fair

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

Dear Spider Jones,

Thank you so much for inspiring me to follow my dreams. You have proven that hard work pays off, and if you don’t dive up on yourself, even if everyone has, you can still achieve your goals. I’m very sorry that you had to go through so much in your life, but because of your life experiences, you’ve changed and inspired many people’s lives. Thank you once again for showing me that hard times can make you a better person in the future.

-Jonathan Buslon, grade 10 student

Dear Mr. Jones,

I strongly appreciate that you honoured us with one of your persuasive motivational speeches. We are immensely thankful you came to our school and told us stories of your life. It made me realize the hardships of life, and that you can overcome them no matter what situation you’re in. The students and I are very grateful that you visited us and we hope to see you again in the near future.

Sincerely,
Kapethan Vasudeva, grade 11 student

Every one of your words gave me more motivation to reach my dreams! You are a very inspiring man. I hope everyone can get at least ten minutes of your amazing speech. You have changed and will change many lives! I’ll see you at the top Candle!

Romina Bufasi, grade 11 student

Dear Mr. Spider Jones,

I really liked having you at my school. I’m not a fan, but your story really made me open my eyes. Yesterday, I was watching TV when I saw Sugar Ray, then I remembered he used to call you ‘candle’ because one blow and you’re out—that’s really funny. You’re a very artistic and courageous person. Listening to you speak was very energetic, and truthful; you opened up about a lot of things. I would like to get one of your books so I could get to know a little more about you. You are an amazing, outgoing person. Thank you for coming to my school, SATEC @ W.A. Porter. Keep up the good work!

From,
Geralyn Tamer, grade 12 student

Spider Jones,

I really enjoyed your motivational speech. I found it touching, uplifting and inspiring. It was very nice to see what you did with your life. You told us to never stop believing ourselves. I will keep making my ‘web’ to reach the top, just like you did, Spider.

Ana-Kaye Hammond, grade 9 student

Dear Spider Jones,

Your speech was inspiring and taught me to set goals and to follow my dreams. I learned that things come true for a reason. Your speech was fun and full of jokes, and one of the best I’ll see. Thank you for taking the time to teach us all the things you know, and talking with us. It was much appreciated, and I hope to see you again.

-Meghan Degrace

Spider,

You are truly an inspiration to many people. You have helped me see the new perspective in life once again; to be thankful, to dream big, and to never give up. You have given me the strength to get back up on my feet. You gave me hope and that meant a lot to me.

-Bons, grade 11 student

Spider Jones,

I think other schools should hire you because you really motivated me in that speech you gave the other day. You taught me that if I have a dream, I shouldn’t give up on it. If it’s realistic, go out and get it. You must have motivated many others who were there. Thanks for the motivation.”

-P. Amirthanaygam, grade 11 student

Spider Jones,

Thank you for visiting SATEC to share your story! Your candidness and humour resonated with our students - they hung on your every word! By sharing your personal stories regarding the challenges you faced as a young man and the barriers you overcame in order to reach your goals you have helped us, the staff, motivate our students to face their obstacles head on.

Thank you for your generosity,

A. Deuerlein
Student Success Teacher
SATEC @ W.A Porter