STARS OF EDUCATION

The past six months have seen Paul working extensively with educators across the mid-south. During this time, it has been a privilege for Paul to have the opportunity to work with many of Texas' shining stars, from students to administrators, from Amarillo to Austin.

In early February, Paul was delighted to be welcomed into Childress High School where he worked with students and faculty, presenting his signature program A Hero Within.

Janet Word, Robin Adkins & Paul
Panhandle School Leaders Association

The challenges of snow and cancelled flights didn't dampen the excitement and energy of the students as they eagerly embraced Paul's ideas of identifying ways to become more effective leaders, increasing awareness of the risks associated with social networking and developing an attitude of service to others.

Prior to his stop in Childress, Paul journeyed to Amarillo to work with an outstanding group of educators, the Panhandle School Leaders Association. Sharing concepts of inspired teamwork and leadership with personnel from across Region 16, Paul was wowed by the dedication and passion exhibited by leaders entrusted with the education of Texas' rising stars.

More recently, Paul enjoyed presenting a two-day leadership retreat to members of the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals at

Archie, Cindy, Tom & Paul
Texas Association of Secondary
School Principals

Horseshoe Bay Resort outside of Austin. Discussing ideas such as "Your Impact as a Principal," Paul had the opportunity to absorb a great deal of wisdom and experience from leaders who take an active role in the responsibility for the quality of school leadership.

Established in 1922, TASSP focuses on the need for collaboration between all stakeholders in education while using as its foundation a very effective volunteer force that provides a statewide knowledge base and informed leadership.

"It's been a thrilling experience traveling the state of Texas and learning not only about its beautiful geography, but about the amazing people who are driving forces in the education of Texas students," said Paul. "I hope to visit many more school districts in the Lone Star State!"

Erik Kirkpatrick & Paul
Childress High School

Independence Day

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.

It is estimated that 2.5 million people lived in the newly independent nation in July 1776. According to the population clock, the nation's estimated population on this July Fourth is 309.6 million.

Paul and the team at Vital Communications, Inc. wish you and yours a safe and happy July Fourth Holiday!

Spotlight

Texas

The tidewater coastline of Texas stretches 624 miles along the Gulf of Mexico and contains more than 600 historic shipwrecks.

Texas was annexed to the United States as the 28th state on December 29, 1845.

Six flags have flown over Texas: Spain, France, United Mexican States, Confederate States of America, the Republic of Texas and the United States of America.

With more than 267,000 square miles, Texas is as large as all of New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois combined.

Expand Your Vocabulary

Akimbo
a-kim-bow

1. In or into a position in which the hands are on the hips and the elbows are bowed outward
2. Being in a bent, bowed or arched position

John stood using his arms akimbo, giving the impression he was standing his ground.

Featured Product

With summer in full swing, why not take the opportunity as you slow the pace to catch up with friends you haven't corresponded with in a while? Paul's Pass It On Motivational Notecards are the perfect choice for sharing a sentiment whether you are traveling or hanging out around the homestead.

This versatile set includes 10 full-color cards with envelopes—two of each design. These high-quality cards are perfect for sharing news or dropping someone a quick line of encouragement. Containing quotes from individuals such as Helen Keller & Ralph Waldo Emerson, these cards relay messages such as “Shoot for the moon; even if you miss it you will land among the stars.”

Order yours today and continue the time-honored method of personal communication by reaching out to others during the lazy days of summer!

Around the Web

Paul's original quotes have been making the rounds lately—appearing in a variety of places, from Twitter feeds to airtime during Potus Radio's "Stand Up! With Pete Dominick." What follows is an excerpt of an essay written by Elisabeth Baileigh on Paul's quote, "When you begin treating people like people, they become people." It was found on Elisabeth's blog by a friend of Paul's during a recent Google search of the worldwide web.

"They Become People"

"So, I read a quote today by Paul Vitale. You can see the quote word for word somewhere around here. It really spoke to me. It talks about treating people like people, and when you do that, they actually become people. What some people don’t know is that words on the Internet, even if they’re anonymous and you have no idea who is saying humiliating things about people, makes them feel inhuman. To have insecurity about yourself or to notice something about you that you know is different than the “norm,” you don’t want people to notice and you most certainly don’t want people to say anything about it. It takes away your humanity, it keeps you on edge...

"So when you start treating people like people, they become people. When you give people the decency they deserve, they begin to believe they actually DO deserve it..."(more)

Thoughts to Ponder

When you kill a little time, you may be murdering opportunity.
~ Rick Frishman

Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.
~ Raymond Linguist

Nothing is as potent as the silent influence of a good example.
~ James Kent

Very little is needed to make a happy life. It is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.
~ Marcus Aurelius

To finish, you must first begin.
~ Paul Vitale

2010 Senior Class Wisdom

Throughout winter and spring, Paul was fortunate to spend valuable time working with students about to embark on the next step of their lives. These high school seniors shared many ideas and experiences with Paul, and during their time together Paul noted the top statements of wisdom he heard over and over again from our future leaders. We'd like to share a few with you here today!

Don’t let that one thing hold you back; always work hard, do your best, keep trying and don’t give up on yourself.

Concentrate on your goals and make something out of yourself. Don’t be afraid to be creative.

Respect yourself and others, be loyal and speak up; don’t be afraid to tell others what you want.

School is not a joke. It’s important to have fun, but keep your GPA up, stay in school and graduate! Plan ahead, grades in the 9th grade can affect your chances at scholarships.

Get to know people before you judge them; don’t be so worried about what other people say.

Stay true to yourself; stand up for what you believe in; don’t let peer pressure cause you to do something you really don’t want to do.

Join Us On Facebook!

For those of you who are friends of Paul on Facebook, you're familiar with his weekly postings of both a motivating challenge and inspiring quotation. If you have a favorite quote or idea for a challenge that you'd like to share, send it to Paul and he'll consider including it in “MONDAY’S MOTIVATIONAL CHALLENGE” or "THURSDAY'S THUMBS UP!"

If you haven’t yet joined Paul’s page, please click the photo below and “Like” it now!