"We can't even begin to express our gratitude for Mark's visit. I was lucky enough to see Mark's presentation before today and I was so happy that all of the students at our school got to have the same experience. Mark has an outstanding story and an inspiring message. Your attitude and outlook is very admirable. Your story depicts qualities that light a fire in his audience to strive for greatness. I want to thank Mark for sharing his message and remaining an everlasting inspiration in our hearts. Thank You."
Sophie Freeman, Prime Minister
St. Joseph's High School
“If the measure of a speaker is how often their words comeback to you in the weeks and months after you hear them, then Mark is truly remarkable. His story is inspiring and the perspectives on life he urges you to embrace can be truly transformative. I know the students of U of T Scarborough were as moved as I was by Mark's message of strength and hope, even more so because he made it clear that while his journey to success has been a difficult one, the path he took - one of faith in yourself, hard work, and seizing everyday - is one we can all take. Highly recommended - an incredible story from an amazing person.”
Drew Dudley
Activities Coordinator, University of Toronto
Never before have I witnessed a person have such an impact on our students and staff! Many described the presentation as extremely powerful and as the best one ever at our school. Some students were moved to tears. Others revealed to me later that what they learned will motivate them for the rest of their lives. If I could choose to take all of the positive messages that I would like to share with young people, bottle them, and share them in a one hour presentation, Mark's presentation would be it. His sincerity, passion, and advice will leave a "mark" on our school for years to come!"
Duane Smith
Principal, Lester Pearson Memorial High
I had the amazing opportunity of being a part of your audience and I really and truly just want you to know that you have made a difference in my life, listening to you today inspired me to take all of the frustration and confusion I've been feeling for the past year about my medical problems and turn it into passion, a passion to get through anything and everything that comes my way, and a passion to inspire others to do the same.
You've helped me more than you could ever know, and i was trying to think of someway i could thank you, so as a "thank you" I'm making a promise to you, as well as myself to "pay it forward" and inspire another just as you've inspired me. You're truly and amazing person, thank you.
Alanah
Student
I usually don't like motivational presentations, but your's actually meant something to me, it felt inspiring and that's the truth. Your presentation made me cry on the inside and made me laugh on the outside. I mean that's the first presentation that's ever done that! I just wanted to thank you for coming to our school and giving the best presentation that I have ever heard.
Darya Darvish
Student
I just wanted to thank you for such an amazing presentation. Your presentation was truly an inspiration, and you were by far my favorite presenter. I am so happy you get to share such an amazing story with so many people. Keep on doing what you're doing, and I can honestly say you've helped me to have a more positive attitude.
Sarah Watson
Student
You are THE most inspirational speaker I have ever heard. I laughed I cried, but not only for you but for what I realized I can do with my life!” You gave me chills and made me laugh. It was the best PD session we have ever had! Thank You!”
T Harris
Teacher
I definitely recommend Mark. He will touch your heart and at least one thing will relate to your heart. Mark’s is the best presentation we have had in a LONG time!
L. Fanjoy
Teacher
"Mark is, in a word, REMARKABLE! Thank you so much for sharing your personal storyofcourage and hope. You are truly an inspiration!!"
Laurie MacNaughton
Teacher
"This was a fabulous presentation! It deeply moved me, sometimes to the point of tears, to hear Mark share his personal story. Mark's presentation was an inspiring reminder to overcome adversity and strive to reach our potential. As wellness representation for our staff, I will try to share the spirit of his talk in our school in my class and in my family.
Shanon Trevors
New Brunswick Teachers' Association
"Thank you for sharing your story with our school, it had such an affect on me. Your presentation is something I will always remember."
Cyan Patterson
Student
"You are an excellent motivational speaker. You have given me a lot of confidence and made me believe I am capable of anything!"
Gavin Dykeman
Student
Mark was an inspirational speaker who grasped the student's attention in the telling of his moving personal story. The fact that he took this personal tragedy and turned it into such a meaningful life clearly sent the message to our students that no matter how bad things may seem now, things will work themselves out. Mark was definitley one of the most profound speakers we have brought in. A small man with a big message.
Bob Giasson
Student Council Advisor
"I enjoyed every word Mark said. I would have listened to him again immediately!”
L Haines-Carter
Teacher's Assistant
"Your presentation really inspired me. You opened my eyes and made me realize what I can do to succeed in life. You told us your hopes and dreams in life, and you went for it. That made me think, if he can go through all that hard work to accomplish his goal, I can too. So thank you for your presentation, you inspired a lot of students today."
Savannah Mills
Student
"Your presentation was amazing! It was the most inspiring message I've ever heard. Your message was powerful, and it changed my life in a good way. I'm so glad that you came to our school and changed my life. I'm going to think positive, go big, or stay home, live today and refuse to quit for the rest of my life!
Brad LeBlanc
Student
"Thank you for your wonderful speech. It really motivated me to appreciate life. My goal is to become a singer and now, you've inspired me to keep going until I achieve my goal. You are one of my heroes. I will never forget your speech. When I achieve my goal, I will remember how I got there. You have inspired me to be what I want to be!"
Brianna Gardner
Student
Mark I was really inspired by your speech. It will help me with life. I will now follow my dreams. Thank you for inspiring me."
Abigail
Student
"Thank you for sharing your story with my school. I think it was very inspiring. It inspired me to stick to something and never quit. I hope I can have your four keys in my heart forever."
Tanesha Paterson
Student
“Mark’s presentation was thoughtful and interesting with lots to stimulate thinking. I learned from him to strive to live everyday appreciating what God has given me and to say Thank You. May I not forget his advice.”
W. McGready
Teacher's Assistant
"Mark was not only inspirational, he was EXTREMELY FUNNY!”
Teacher Assistant
"This is a man and a presentation that can CHANGE YOUR LIFE!”
P Cook
“Truly inspirational. You could climb the highest mountain and swim the longest sea after hearing Mark speak”
P Lewell
“Wow! I’m speechless!”
S. Folkins
Mark was an inspirational speaker who grasped the student's attention in the telling of his moving personal story. The fact that he took this personal tragedy and turned it into such a meaningful life clearly sent the message to our students that no matter how bad things may seem now, things will work themselves out. Mark was definitely one of the most profound speakers we have brought in. A small man with a big message.
Bob Giasson
Student Council Advisor, St. Paul Catholic Secondary School
Mark was fantastic to work with; he conducted himself in a professional and respectful manner that made the usual stressful process of booking a speaker, seem like a pleasure. His message captured the attention of our entire audience as every person there seemed to be able to relate to him, a talent few people possess and even fewer use in such a worthwhile manner. I would and will recommend Mark to any organization without hesitation.
Adam Stacey
Students’ Council President, NRHS
"Mark's challenging experiences made a deep impression on our students. He taught them the meaning of determination and perseverance, of dreaming and two staff members each stated separately, 'That was by far the best assembly I have ever witnessed!' I could not believe how Mark was able to have 9-13 year olds sit for that long - totally engaged!"
Audrey Lampert
Principal
I've heard many motivational speeches before in my fifteen years of living, but Mark's is the one that stands out-but not because of his story (Which by the was was amazing too) but It was the message that really hit me. Honestly. When I got home Thursday evening, I was sure I was going to cry.. oddly enough, I sat on my bed and laughed, because I saw how simple it was, to be happy, and to live life from the heart. I want to thank Mark for opening my eyes.
Maria C. McLean
As the Principal of the Alt site in Bathurst please accept my heart felt thank you for the superb presentation. My students spoke about you so enthusiastically for the entire drive home. Your words were thought provoking as well as energizing.
James Chamberlain
Transition Centre Coordinator
Fantastic presentation, very motivational and moving. You struck a chord with me and my students!
Lyndsay Boire
Teacher
Great speaker. His story has made me change my outlook at life. Logical is great but you need to trust your heart to guide you. Do not let anyone get in your way, especially yourself!! Great presentation!!!
Richard Resendes
Teacher
Fabulous presentation! An excellent lesson on life awareness. Mark was funny, interesting adn appropriate for the audience. A charismatic presentation and job well done! Thanks for sharing your amazing life story!
J Moncur
Teacher
Mark's presentation was great! His story is very inspirational to both adults and students alike! Very engaging!
Gloria Lasovich
Teacher
"Its Holly Marquette, a student from Kelvington that watched your presentation the other day. All i can say is: Wow! i couldn't get over how you interperet life...! it was really good to hear someone as positive as you in our school! To me, you really helped me get through the day, as it wasn't going as swell as i planned (everything was going wrong), and then i said to myself as soon as i got into the school, 'Oh, boy...another speaker'....thanks for proving me wrong for not just being another speaker! It was just so great to hear about your life, what you've gone through, achieved, and how you have wanted to pass it on to others and try make them achieve and believe that their goals are possible too! thanks again. ps....i plan on achieving my goals!"
Holly Marquette
High School Student
"Wow - we were just so glad to have you in our building! You should have heard the response after you left - so many of the kids who were there were saying how much they appreciated you coming and wished their classmates would have stayed. We will definitely welcome you back anytime...let me know when you're in the neighbourhood!"
Karen Jones
High School Teacher
"Mark's talk helped us all realize that we can overcome obstacles if we put our mind to it. What we see as "difficult" isn't necessarily that big a deal. People like Mark overcome obstacles that make ours look more manageable. Mark's strong points are many but the main thing is he speaks from the heart. His story is amazing and his use of humor is great. It shows us that we can laugh about things later that we certainly weren't laughing about at the time. It would be that everyone can overcome obstacles, can succeed in anything they set their mind to, and above all, have some fun along the way while they are living life. I would definitely recommend Mark. His honesty and sincerity is an inspiration to anyone."
Terry Stanviloff
Provincial Leadership Conference Chair
"I just wanted to thank you again for making the trip to Lemberg to talk to our students! You did an amazing job getting the kids interested; they were genuinely interested in what you had to say. They really took to heart what you were saying about make the most of every day and to not dwell on what has happened or what is going to happen. I have heard a few people even saying what their goals are and what they need to do to achieve those goals. Some of the kids have their cards posted in the lockers! You made a difference in our school, and the lives of our students, and for that, we thank you!!! We would definitely recommend you to other schools.
The benefits of having Mark speak to the students are that it shows them to appreciate how good their lives are and that everybody has challenges and that you can make it through them. Also that you can't change the past and you can't control the future, all you can do is make the best of what you have and what lies ahead for you. Mark was very enjoyable to work with. He had everything we needed to do on his website and he e-mailed it to us so that we could be ready ahead of time. When he got to our school he was very friendly, kind and easy to work with.
Marks presentation was different from other motivational/inspirational speakers because his heart was in it! He had real life experiences to talk about. Also he got the students involved and gave the students a opportunity to participate. He is very passionate about the message he is sending, and the students are able to see and appreciate that passion. You are an amazing speaker with an amazing message. I have heard nothing but good things about your visit, and people will hear nothing but good things from me about you! Thanks again!"
Janelle Harrison
High School Teacher
"Hi Mark. You came to my school today, Leo Hayes and I wanted to let you know that you really touched me. I know that may sound corny, but you really did. You probably hear that you made an impact on people a lot, but I REALLY REALLY mean it. I dont know the next time shes going to sezure, or be in the hospital. You really made me think about things.
We had many assemblies when people came to talk to us about anything really, but you really knew how to connect with us and make it fun. I wasn't bored at all, my attention was fixed on you. Wow! I just cant get over some of the things you said. I am a very negative person, and I have trouble getting over things that have happened before, mostly because they have happened many times. But after your presentation, I started to think about what you said, "live your life by your heart and not your mind." Im really going to start changing some of my actions. This year, two things have changed me as a person: 1. my environmental class, & 2. you. I just really wanted you to know how much you inspired and touched me. That was the best presentation my high school has seen.
Student
Leo Hayes High School
"Wow! What can I say - You were superb! You stole the show! Mark you were amazing! You captured the "heart and soul" of the Highlander spirit. I for one will remember the impact you had on our young students, parents and staff."
Susan Ross
High School Principal
"What a dynamic speaker and moving presentation! It brought tears to my eyes more than once. It made me think about how precious our time is here on earth and how we must savour every moment."
Lynn Bland
Middle School Teacher
"Mark's message challenged all who were in the audience. His presentation was compelling in both its sincerity and its relevance to the lives of our youth. Any student hearing Mark's talk will be better for it."
Fred Holmes
National Leadership Conference Coordinator
"Inspiring. It's presentations like Mark's that make people do better things in life."
Jared O'Shea
High School Student
"Thank you for your presentation. When you said it would be motivational, you were not kidding. You relate so well to the students. They were all very engaged in your presentation. Thank You!"
John Hamilton
Middle School Principal
"Recently we had Mark Black come to our school, and we definitely enjoyed him and his message. It was amazing to see how focused the students were, for a straight hour in the gymnasium. You could have heard a pin drop. He was captivating to us all. Not only were the students moved by him, but the staff was as well. I would just like to say that I would recommend Mark to do a presentation for any age group. He has a wonderful message for all who get the chance to hear him."
Jocelyn Cliff
Middle School Teacher
"On behalf of St. Michael's we just want to thank you for coming to present at our school. Your story is inspiring. We are thankful that we've had the opportunity to hear it!"
Student
St Michael's College
My Name is Kayla Hickey and I am a student at the Dalhousie Learning Centre. I attended your presentation at the Dalhousie Regional High School on Friday February 8th and in my opinion it was inspiring to say the least. Your words have touched my heart to know end. You spoke to us on our level. The piece of paper that I wrote my goal on will forever be a reminder of the words that you said. "Live Every Day" and "Go Big or Go Home" are words that some will never forget because of you. I'm proud to say ever since the day that you got me to write a few words on that tiny piece of paper, I have become more focused on what I can and will do. I'm no longer focused on what people say and what I can't do.
Kayla Hickey
Student
"I thought about your presentation a lot. It made feel like i have been opened up to a new world."
Brooke Gallant
Student
"Thank you for coming to my school and telling us your story. The whole school really enjoyed your presentation and it really touched the students. You encouraged many students to live life from the heart. You made us want to achieve our goals and made us realize that if we stay positive good things can happen. I will never forget your story."
Katrina
Student
"Your speech was very inspiring. There was a lot things that made me think about my life. You really opened my eyes. From now on I am really going to think how to live life from the heart. Thank-you so much for coming to my school."
Lianne Boudreau
Student
"I would just like to say Thank You for the presentation. It was great. It really changed the way I think about things."
Courtney
Student
