Motivational speaker Keith Hawkins encouraged RHS students to be “better than good”—to recognize and appreciate what they already have—during a Wellness Week assembly held in the high school auditorium during Wellness Week on Wednesday, April 22.

Hawkins opened his presentation with lively interaction, filling the room with his unique burst of energy and engaging students from the start.

In his central message, Hawkins challenged students to rethink what it means to be “better than good.” “I saw so many cars [in the high school parking lot],” he said. “I know everyone is better than good; everyone has a home to go to.”

Throughout the assembly, Hawkins asked students to focus on the “permanent things in life,” like family, stability and opportunity, instead of dwelling on what they lack. “The permanent things make life worthy of gratitude,” he said. 

Midway through the presentation, Hawkins played Simon Says with the audience to illustrate how people tend to follow actions rather than words. “People don’t follow what people tell them to do; they follow what other people do,” he said.

He connected this activity to his own experience, sharing that a student once told him that no one would put his advice into practice because people only follow what others do. However, Hawkins used this personal anecdote to emphasize that his goal is not only for students to hear his words but also to apply them to their own lives and become role models for others.

As the assembly concluded, RHS Principal Jessica Baxter reflected on Hawkins’ impact. “I’m so glad we were able to bring Mr. Hawkins to our school,” she said. “I believe his messages about believing in yourself, taking care of yourself and being nothing but kind to others resonated with our students. Wellness is about taking care of yourself and taking care of others, and this was a fitting assembly for our Wellness Week.”

Junior Jarred Veljkovic also praised the experience. “We were in awe of how Keith could resonate with every student and adult in the room, no matter who they were,” he said. “It was an incredible privilege to be able to host Keith at Randolph High School. His energetic and inspirational tone filled the room.”