Shortly before his high school prom at Los Gatos High School, 17 year-old Brandon Silveria was involved in a near-fatal crash after drinking a couple of beers at a high school party. After enduring a coma for nearly three months and another three years of painful rehabilitation, Brandon and his father Tony tour America's high schools full-time on behalf of The Century Council. Here is a sample of the audience testimonials that Brandon's message to high school students has inspired:
"Brandon and his father's messages were very well received by all the [at-risk] students. It was an especially important message for them to experience first hand."
— Michele M. Ridge, First Lady
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
"I would recommend the presentation to any organization with members who are old enough to drive. If you get the opportunity ... don't pass it up!"
— Assistant Principal, Bloomington High School
Bloomington, California
"Brandon opened the eyes of not only the student body, but also the adult sector in the community. The impact will forever last in [their] minds."
— Sergeant, Hobbs Police Department
Hobbs, New Mexico
"I think the realities of [Brandon's] life, shown in such stark detail, will hit home with more impact on the youth who watch this video than any 'just say no' type of message ever could."
— Training & Development
Univ. of New Mexico School of Law
Albuquerque, New Mexico
"The core message ... is an inspiration. [Tony and Brandon] received an A+ in my book."
— Parent, West, Texas
"Thank you for sharing your inspirational story with our school. Your elaborate description of your experiences moved us all ... [causing] many people to reconsider how they want to live their lives."
— SADD representative, West High School
Madison, Wisconsin
"It was clear the students were spellbound ... you could hear a pin drop. [Brandon's] presentation radiates compassion, a deep commitment to today's youth, and a conviction that they have the power to create their lives through the decisions they make."
— Principal, Memorial High School
West New York, New Jersey
"One out of a million may not seem like a lot, if you're counting pennies. But by saving one person, you save hundreds of others from grief and suffering. I am inspired."
— Student, Fordham Preparatory School
Bronx, New York
"In our society today, in the movies and the musicians around us, show us that drinking is the cool thing to do. They never showed us how hideous the outcomes can be. A hero recovers from mistakes and helps guide others in the right direction. [Brandon] is a hero."
— Student, Dansville Central High School
Dansville, New York
"Though I don't drink now, I am sure [Brandon's] message will stay with me when the pressure is more severe and the opportunity more common."
— Student, Mary Inst. & St. Louis Country Day School
St. Louis, Missouri
"Your presentation was very moving and very important. I have talked to many of the kids since the assembly and they all agree that it gave them a lot to think about. You WILL make a difference ... and probably already have!"
— Principal, Sonora High School
La Habra, California
"Unlike other lectures, meeting a victim such as [Brandon], and using real images, really stamped any thoughts I had about drinking right out of my mind. It's hard to believe what just two little drinks can do to your life."
— Student, Issaquah Middle School
Issaquah, Washington
"[Our] students witnessed on of the most compelling assembly presentations ever experienced ... [it] moved students and staff to tears. I have never seen such a tribute in my thirty years of education. I highly recommend [Brandon's] program."
— Principal, Cheshire High School
Cheshire, Connecticut
"You can be assured that [Brandon] made a difference in the lives of young people that will ripple on for years to come."
— Coordinator, Youth To Eliminate Loss of Life
Wilmington, Delaware
"This video will impact numerous young people and save many lives."
— Detective, Forest Park Police Department
Forest Park, Ohio
"Please take the time to review ["Brandon Tells His Story"] and consider the feasibility of use within your school."
— Safe & Drug-Free Schools Coordinators
Department of Education
Richmond, Virginia
