Sunday Night Keynote Speaker
Xerxes Whitney
Xerxes Whitney
Friday Keynote Speaker - Xerxes Whitney
Xerxes Whitney Website
I leave an impression wherever I go. Whether someone hears me on the phone, sees me walking down the street, or comes
across my name "Xerxes", which they probably have not heard before. There is something a little bit different about me! I was
born with cerebral palsy. This disability has not stopped me from having a great life. It might slow me down. But just like the
turtle I have always found a way across the finish line. It may not be as elegant or as graceful but I do it with hard work,
determination, and not caring how I looked. One of my favorite sayings, "follow your dreams", has been a persistent theme in
my life. I like to share this attitude and commitment with whomever I come in contact with. As a young student I had trouble
writing my name and my teachers could not read my writing. As a young person it took me several tries before someone could
understand me saying "Xerxes". I needed help on the bus. I didn't walk until I was three. My sister had to tie my shoes. These
issues did not stop me! And your issues should not stop you. I had my heart, my spirit, my passion, my smile, and my family. I
kept dreaming! I wanted to be a country western singer, a major league baseball player, a pro football player, a sports writer, a
college tennis coach. These dreams did not come true, but other ones did! I was one of two students chosen to give the
commencement speech at UC, Santa Cruz. I played, coached, and managed the number two ranked college tennis team at
UC Santa Cruz for four years. I obtained a Masters Degree from Indiana University. I ran the 1997 Los Angeles Marathon in 4
hours, 32 minutes and finished 5,600 out of 20,000 runners. I self published a book of poetry. I teach 6th grade at Windsor
Middle School. I was a pivotal force in getting a climbing wall built for students who thrive in individualized sporting
environments. But my greatest aspiration is to touch and inspire as many people as I can. I want to make people smile a little
more brightly, jump a little higher, and dream a little more.
People remember me! I want people to remember you!
- Xerxes
Xerxes Whitney Website
I leave an impression wherever I go. Whether someone hears me on the phone, sees me walking down the street, or comes
across my name "Xerxes", which they probably have not heard before. There is something a little bit different about me! I was
born with cerebral palsy. This disability has not stopped me from having a great life. It might slow me down. But just like the
turtle I have always found a way across the finish line. It may not be as elegant or as graceful but I do it with hard work,
determination, and not caring how I looked. One of my favorite sayings, "follow your dreams", has been a persistent theme in
my life. I like to share this attitude and commitment with whomever I come in contact with. As a young student I had trouble
writing my name and my teachers could not read my writing. As a young person it took me several tries before someone could
understand me saying "Xerxes". I needed help on the bus. I didn't walk until I was three. My sister had to tie my shoes. These
issues did not stop me! And your issues should not stop you. I had my heart, my spirit, my passion, my smile, and my family. I
kept dreaming! I wanted to be a country western singer, a major league baseball player, a pro football player, a sports writer, a
college tennis coach. These dreams did not come true, but other ones did! I was one of two students chosen to give the
commencement speech at UC, Santa Cruz. I played, coached, and managed the number two ranked college tennis team at
UC Santa Cruz for four years. I obtained a Masters Degree from Indiana University. I ran the 1997 Los Angeles Marathon in 4
hours, 32 minutes and finished 5,600 out of 20,000 runners. I self published a book of poetry. I teach 6th grade at Windsor
Middle School. I was a pivotal force in getting a climbing wall built for students who thrive in individualized sporting
environments. But my greatest aspiration is to touch and inspire as many people as I can. I want to make people smile a little
more brightly, jump a little higher, and dream a little more.
People remember me! I want people to remember you!
- Xerxes
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