Students, parents, and educators that have seen the Teen Truth made the following statements: " Schools would be a much better and safer place if every elementary, and high school student had an opportunity to participate in this program. Today's event affords the State Legislature an inside and first-hand look at the disrespect and harm many kids face on a daily basis. My colleagues and I applaud the TEEN TRUTH: LIVE program for all the positive effects it is making throughout the nation. "

State Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas
District 26, California

" The anti-bullying workshop was outstanding today at LHS. Erahm Christopher (Machado) did a terrific job with the presentation and video. Our kids received an added benefit of hearing from Ryan Bellflower. Ryan was the high school autistic basketball player last year who played the last few minutes of the East Clovis High School game and made a 3-point shot at the buzzer (you might have seen this on the news) ! He has overcome a lot in life and it was very inspirational for our students to hear. Great Job!

When Erahm and the Teen Truth crew return later this spring we plan to have the presentation with our 7th & 8th graders. "

Dr. Ronald Estes, Superintendent
Linden Unified School District, California

" I had many teachers tell me what a great assembly that was...such a positive, encouraging message. You've done a wonderful thing, JC. And I could totally tell that the kids really connected with you. And they respected you. Personally, I really enjoyed everything about the presentation. We would love to have you back next year! "

Melissa Amerian, Activity Director
Chaparral High School, California

" The three assemblies for our freshman students last week generated powerful results. The nature of the presentation and your "real life, straight up" presentation style were right on the money for this group of students. The video was powerful and moving and when combined with the presentation opened the eyes of our students to the dangerous potentiality of tolerating bullies on campus. The follow up activity, out of the TEEN TRUTH curriculum, focused on support systems for our students. Based on student response, the importance of adequate support systems was evidenced. This information helped us evaluate student access to school support systems and make appropriate revisions. The trauma of divorce, substance abuse, bullying and other personal challenges our students all to frequently face, underscore the need for a presentation of this nature. I know we will definitely bring you back for our frosh class next year. "

Joel Johannsen, Principal
Escalon High School, California

" The presentation was so powerful, and Erahm Christopher is a great public speaker. I was amazed he was able to elicit responses and feedback out of teenagers that are usually "too cool" to participate. It was great afternoon and I will be contacting the schools to see what can be arranged. "

Deanna Staggs, Director Health Center
Stockton Unified School District, California

" JC & Erahm, I apologize for not being able to visit more after the assemblies, but you need to know why. Right at the beginning of lunch I got a phone call.... The presentation definitely empowered students - we had a student report to a teacher that he saw another student with a knife on campus! The kid who reported is a very shy student in an EL class. The teacher gave us the name and we were able to apprehend the student immediately - he had a 3 1/2 inch locking blade knife! TEEN TRUTH made this happen. TEEN TRUTH made Carlmont High School safer today. TEEN TRUTH empowered students. TEEN TRUTH got students AND faculty thinking. "

Robert Fishtrom, Carlmont High School
Belmont, California

" WOW! JC came to my school lompoc senior high and i got to say i was crying like i heard the no bullying thing all my life but when you see what it causes how it makes people feel what theyre capable of doing it really wakes you up and it woke me up very quickly sooo thanks the video really really helped and i just bought a copy so ill spread the word. "

Jessica, 9th Grade Student
Lompoc Senior High School, California

" I wanted to let you know again how much of an impact that video had on me, and how it connects to my life and the life of High School. There are so many stories that I have that have gone unsaid that I want to tell, and there are so many things that I want to change that have gone unchanged. Watching your production made me notice that there is someone else out there like me that wishes to tell these stories and make changes. This is part of the reason I got so emotional today at school, that there is actually change occurring. "

Ricky, 10th Grade Student
Linden High School, California

" JC, I really liked your movie because even though I didn't plan on thinking yesterday your film really made us think. Everybody was talking about it for the rest of the day. Your film touched everybody. It got us to realize that if we see something that we know is wrong and we don't tell a responsible adult we're part of it and if something happense we're going to regret not telling them. Your film really inspired me to make a difference. Yesterday I talked to people that nobody does. I also tried not to judge people's feelings by what somebody looks like on the outside. Many kids took your challenges and said they would make a change and not let something happen to us like the other schools did "

Nereyda, 7th Grade Student
Tommie Kunst Junior High School, California

" I was really impressed with your presentation and video on Bullying in school. I was really touched by the message. I know the students were as well. "

Melda Gaskins Ed.D.
Director, Pupil Services
Modesto City Schools, California

" I am a student at Escalon high school. You were at my school today and I wanted to say that your presentation made an impact on me. I think that from now on I will be more compassionate when it comes to bullying. Thank you for coming to our school!! "

Miranda, 10th Grade Student
Escalon High School, California

" This was a great presentation! This message is exactly why I wanted to get into counseling. "

Anonymous, Counselor
CASC Conference, California

" Hey JC, Im Rachelle and I go to Livingston High School... you came to our school today and gave a presentation and that was the BEST presentation anyone has ever given throughout my school years. And Im being compeletely honest I just wanted to say thanks alot man = ) "

Rachelle, 12th Grade Student
Livingston High School, California

" Great presentation today... it is a great movie and it makes everybody think about how they effect each other. You make me think that I can really become a soccer player, because that is my dream to play soccer. You make me think I really can do it even though people say bad things about me. Thank you and good luck on everything. "

Francisco, 12th Grade Student
Escalon High School, California

" Hi, I go to Waterloo Middle School, and had a Teen Truth presentation at my school today. It was really nice to see that a lot of people are struggling with peer pressure at school, and that I'm not the only one. I've been bullied, and I've been made fun of and a lot of times, that caused me to do some weird things, such as lock myself in my room and cry myself to sleep. The video made me feel a lot better, and I really hope that all students benefited from the video the way I did. Thanks so much for the presentation. I feel better now. "

Leslie, 8th Grade Student
Waterloo Middle School, California

" JC, the assembly yesterday was very inspirational. It showed that bullying can result in fights, and killing. We, as the students here at Pine, should be able to stop that and make a difference. I know it wasn't meant to be scary, but the video scared me and I want to include everyone now and be nice to everyone, even if I dislike them. It showed me the truth! "

Anonymous, 8th Grade Student
Pine Middle School, Nevada

" TEEN TRUTH, thank you for creating the most important curriculum I've ever seen! "

Cat Campbell, 7-8th Grade Student
Tommie Kunst Junior High School, California

" On March 28, 2007, students and teachers at Selwyn House School in Montréal, Canada, were privileged to see Erahm Christopher's new short film "Teen Truth: An Inside Look at Bullying and School Violence," and to participate in a stimulating and provocative round table. The film is affecting in many ways, and it inspired students and teachers to consider more deeply why and how bullying occurs. We thank Mr. Christopher for his candor and inspiration, and hope that his enterprise continues to have positive results in every community that sees this special film and hears his story. "

Robert H. Bouskill, Middle School Teacher
Selwyn House School, Montreal, Canada

" I thought that "Teen Truth" was an amazing film and one that was all true. I learned how much words can affect someone for their whole life. "

Anonymous, 7th Grade Student
Selwyn House School, Montreal, Canada

" i just saw the teen truth video it was really inspiring and it really did make a difference. "

Marissa, 7th Grade Student
Mendive Middle School, Nevada

" Hey, today you came to my school and presented a movie to us, which was quite touching, I was emotionally and physically moved. I was wondering if their was anything possible that I could do to contribute to this movie, or to your presentations, because I am willing to help, and I want to make a difference. "

Evan, 9th Grade Student
St. Georges School, Montreal, Canada

" JC, I thought yesterday was a good wake-up call on what bullying was all about. I really learned a lot of stuff and I've actually tried to be really nice to people all the time, which I already try to do, but now I'm making a greater effort. The part on the Comlubine shooting really opened my eyes. I knew we had a shooting (at our school) and I know how to prevent it, but I never knew it is so serious. "

Anonymous, 8th Grade Student
Pine Middle School, Nevada

" I want to thank you so much for presenting at Eastside. It was an eye opener for a lot of students. We had very deep discussions and the proverbial crap hit the fan. Kids came out of hiding from bullies. You would think a school with only 100 students would be able to see it. Thank you again for sharing your story. Please send my thanks to Ryan also. He is an inspiration for us all! "

Laurie Beyer
7th and 8th Grade Teacher
North Highland Charter School, California

" Hi my name is Paige and today you came to my school and presented your film, Teen Truth. Your film really had an effect on me. It is very inspirational and I personally can relate to most things that were in it. I'm really glad that you took time out of your busy schedule just to come to our school and show us your film. It means a lot to me and everyone at my school. After the film, I was talking to a bunch of my friends and we all agreed that this was the best presentation we have ever had. It really changed the way we look at things now. "

Paige, 7th Grade Student
John Marshall Middle School, California

" Thank you so much for coming to our school today. You will not believe how much of an impact you are going to have on my friends. I already saw changes!! I saw more kids watching out for each other, more smiles and people not as alone! What you said had a great impact on me, since I have gone through some tough times. You even brought me to tears. I realized how much we teenagers are alike, yet we are blinded by what is on the outside and close our minds to the world beyond such as compassion and heart! If only more people like you would open their eyes and be aware and teach this message! Once again, thank you so much. "

Anita, 7th Grade Student
Tetzlaff Middle School, California

" Dear JC, Thank you for coming to our school and showing us the real world. The video that you showed us really made me think. It made me think about the way I treat people and the way people treat me. Now I will think before I say something or do something. You really helped show the kind of things that can happen to people that bully and, or being bullied. Thank you ver much for your time and presence. "

Nina, 7th Grade Student
Tommie Kunst Junior High School, California

" I was really moved by your video. It made me think. I knew that most of these kids were bullied but I never realized we all could be bullies and not even realize it. Since then, I have taken the time to be more open and friendly with people, try not to exclude anyone, and when I see someone being picked on I stand up for him or her. I invite people who I think look lonely to sit with us at lunch because I remember when I was that person and how I felt and I don't want those feelings to erupt into something bigger. Your movie had a great message and I could really relate to everything you were saying. It was an amazing movie and I know it had an impact on a lot more people. So I would like to thank you for making that movie and I cannot wait to see some of your other ones. I hope you can come to our school again. "

Laura, 8th Grade Student
Johnson Middle School, California

" This was the first presentation at my school that I actually paid attention to. This was also the only one that I could relate to. Your movie made me think about my life and the lives of others. "

Alan, 8th Grade Student
Johnson Middle School, California

" Dear JC, I enjoyed your movie a lot. It really showed me ho just a simple greeting can save lives. "

Yeraldi, 8th Grade Student
Tommie Kunst Junior High School, California

" Erahm, you changed my life. "

Jessica, 7th Grade Student
Tetzlaff Middle School, California

" JC Pohl, You understand us, and I want you to know that you are the most completely honest person I've ever met. "

Evelyn, 8th Grade Student
Tommie Kunst Junior High School, California

" Yesterday was fantastic! The presentation was amazing and the conversation that followed was the reason I became a teacher. Thank you all. "

Kelly, 8th Grade Teacher
Windmill Spring School, California

" Today, when you went to my school and showed us your video, I could tell that every single student was actually listening to what you had to say. You really made a difference at my school today, you really made me think about how one single act of kindness, or meanness can affect someone's life on a huge level. I actually had a boy that I never thought he would do this in his life, come up to me and say that he was sorry for every mean thing he had ever said to me. This meant a lot to me, and I just wanted to thank you and to let you know that you are making a very big difference in our lives. "

Yamile, 8th Grade Student
Stacey-Clegg Middle School, California

" After watching that movie my left arm was shaking, literally shaking non-stop. I nearly cried at the end. You guys are really good. I hope the whole world could hear what you told us kids in middle school. "

"Taco", 7th Grade Student
Stacey-Clegg Middle School, California

" Hi, I am one of the teachers who attended your Teen Truth assembly. Many of my students were really touched by your sensitive presentation and asked so many questions or had so many comments to make. Kids these days need to have that dialogue. Thanks for being there for them and for presenting it in such a sensitive and truthful manner. Programs like yours are well worth the time spent out of class. "

Maureen Saati, Teacher
Westminster, California

" Thanks for the presentation at our school. It inspired me to help the people around me. As I was watching your movie I noticed everyone paying attention and I knew it changed peoples lives and the expectations of our peers. You changed my life in many different ways. Thank you. I learned that a simple tease or a rumor can really hurt a person. The questions you asked me really made me think and I know it made other students think as well. Erahm, you changed my life and I just want to say thank you and let you know that you are my inspiration and also kind of my hero. You have helped many students think and change their ways. Keep it up because there are many teens in the world that need help and you are the one that can help ease their pain. "

Robin, 8th Grade Student
Ross Middle School, California

" JC, The day after your presentation the school overall felt more peaceful and loving. Thank you for the experience. "

Allyson, 8th Grade Student
Tommie Kunst Junior High School, California

" I just want to thank you for the messages you gave us and I do hope that so many more people will, like us Golden Valley Cougars, listen to your messages and put them into action at school. Thank you so much!" "

Michelle, 11th Grade Student
Golden Valley High School, California

" you guys came to my school today, san gabriel mission high school, and your presentation was pretty life changing. You inspired a lot of people not only me maybe that was what my school needed to see what people do when they get bullied. "

Valerie, 10th Grade Student
San Gabriel Mission High School, California

" teen truth. changed my life at school. I had this HUGE problem with a girl...and everyone else at my school for that matter. Becuase I was the new girl. Everyone picked on me&& called me names && judged me before they got to know me. Therefore, I was afaird of going to school and hated school. I would dread getting up in the morning more than anything becuase I knew that, that day was going to be like any other, walking down the halls getting dirty looks, and rude stares, hearing whispers with my name coming from the mouths. It hurt so badly. Its the worst I've ever felt in my life. Something happened at the beginning of the school year, and becuase of one little thing that was said, everyone judged me right of the bat, without even getting to know the real me. Because of being so hurt and sad all the time, I was doing poorly in school, and was not able to keep a good relatioship, but then my school and I went to a teen truth assembly, and I was crying through the whole video becuase I knew how bad it hurts. To be picked on and bullied. After the video was over...the girl came up to me (the girl I got in a fight with) and apoligized for everything. So did I. Finnaly my prayers had been answered. I was crying. Not becuase I was sad. Becuase I was so overjoyed that everything was okay again. Ever since the assembly everyone has been nice to me...and there hasn't been any fights at my school. Im hanging out with people that used to call me names. I know that may sound funny. But the thing is everything that has happened, has happened in the past. The past is behind me and them, and I've learned to forgive and forget. Thanks to TEEN TRUTH for changing my life && many other lives. You guys made such a huge impact on me and my school. And becuase of you guys im not afaird to go to school anymore. God Bless you guys and keep changing lives. "

Anonymous Student, 7th Grade Student
Westside Charter School, California

" You guys came to Righetti High School on Tuesday. Man that fil you showed was freaking intense and scary I cried big time. Hopefully it changes other peoples lives, cuz it changed mine. "

Shawn, 10th Grade Student
Righetti High School, California

" hi my name is mikailah and i go to el camino i just wanted to thank you for comming to my school and i enjoyed the movie and ill be thinking twice before i exclude or ignore someone again. i think that our school needed that. and i'll also be thinking twice before i dont tell my mom anything that i dont think she needs to hear. that movie really made me think and i just wanted to say thank you for comming to our school and hope you come again to show us another video. and im looking forward to seeing your movies in theaters. "

Mikailah, 8th Grade Student
El Camino Middle School, California

" I would just like to thank you guys for coming down to Righetti High School in Santa Maria. Your film had a great impact on me, and I really learned a lot. Thanks again. "

Shae, 9th Grade Student
Righetti High School, California

" hey, you came to my school today, Righetti High in Santa Maria. Well, I just wanted to say good job on it. It has really effect me, and I will try to imprive myself on that and I hope other people will do the same. I was just wondering if you have ever done a film on kids in gangs, because I just found out from my two brothers that they are in one, and i just want them to see what can come out of being in a gang. "

Anaisha, 9th Grade Student
Righetti High School, California

" I'm 15 and I go to Righetti High School. you guy had come to my school and I wanted to tell you what I thought about your video. I didn't get to tell you. but when I was watching the video I thought a lot about how much I had people make fun of me. I have been called fat all my life. when people call me that its makes me want to cry but I try to remember that they don't know anything about me. although I cant change want people say it still hurts. it like having someone stab you in the back. I had a best friend that knew everything about me. well her friends didn't like me so she started making fun of me so she could fit in with them. your video made me cry because I know all thats true it does happen and people don't realize how much they affect others. I loved your video and I'm glad you guys came to my school to talk to all these kids. "

Anonymous Student, 10th Grade Student
Righetti High School, California

" I recently watched your presentation TEEN TRUTH-Bullying at my high school and I wanted to thank you for bringing such an important issue to light. Your film was unique and was told from a perspective that teens could easily relate to. It made me THINK and it INSPIRED me. "

Bernice, 10th Grade Student
St. Thomas High School, Montreal

" so today you presented the film and spoke to our school and it was really amazing. I wanted to thank you for that. Everyone left the room looking differently at the groups of people that they had judged and been judged by before, well atleast the people i talked to. what was amazing was the fact that you were able to get such a message across without being corny or forgettable, i just wanted to email to say that i was walking home that day alone, and i usually walk with a bunch of friends but today they all had plans. And infront of me, there was a girl walking, and i've known her forever but we kind of both made fun of each other and were pretty mean. Anyways, that was in elementry school and i hadn't talked to her since. SO we were walking home near each other and she started showing off and trying to insult me, anyways, for some reason i didn't even think about insulting her back, i just thought about your presentation and after some convincing we actually ended up walking home together and talking... thinking back it was still something that made me think how easy it is to be nice rather than mean. That's just a small thing, but it hopefully made a difference in her eyes because it definitely did in mine. So thank you, i really appreciate the things you are doing to change people and it is obviously working. "

Jaimee, 11th Grade Student
St. Thomas High School, Montreal

" You (Erahm Christopher) came to my school today. (In Chicoutimi) and I was really moved by your hilm that you showed us. I was wondering if there is any way I can get my own copy of the DVD? It would be wonderful because I work with kids on bullying. Eventually teens. Please let me know if there's any way to get my own dvd. By the way, thank you for the amazing presentation. You were right it actually did make me think. "

Myriam, 9th Grade Student
Riverside Regional High School, Chicoutimi