"As the school  counselor , I overheard countless conversations about what a remarkable speech Austin gave, and about the fact that his speech will no doubt serve as a reminder to think before making decisions, especially pertaining to drinking and driving. I can not thank Austin enough for his incredible ability to identify with the audience, share a very personal story, and perhaps change the outcome of someone's life as a result of his message. "

Jason Gregory, School Counselor, Sage Hill School 

" Mr. Whitney has a firm grasp on his audience, and he commands attention.  His youth serves his purpose well; high school-aged students, at a time in their lives when they are fully convinced of their own invincibility, relate to him as a peer.  His matter-of-fact reliving of the events that have changed his life forever hit home for even the most seemingly-unreachable students.

What I love most about his program is that, while his speech is a harsh and sobering warning, it is even more a message of hope and inspiration.  While he does talk about the effects of drinking and driving, he also focuses on overcoming obstacles and on never giving up, regardless of life’s twists and turns.  In this way, I believe that he reaches every student who has the unique opportunity to meet him.  I enthusiastically recommend Austin Whitney as a motivational speaker."

Amber Linehan, Co-Activities Director, University High School

What makes Austin's speech so unique is student's ability to relate to everything he says. It was just a couple years ago that he was sitting exactly where they are.  Drunk driving is so rampant among Californian high schoolers and multiple strategies to combat this are discussed.  His speech covers three main topics (at your choice what he can place emphasis on or what he can omit) :

 The first part is about the accident, the choices made that led to it, drinking and driving (its prevalence among Californian teenagers) and its related dangers. He breaks down all the myths of youth immortality (“it will never happen to me”) and not just about being a drunk driver but also the dangers of riding in the car with someone who’s been drinking. Also with this he goes into personal detail about how drunk driving affected him and all the horrible consequences it can have.

The second part of the speech is about  recovery. Austin spent 41 days in a hospital and learned many lessons that you can only learn after a traumatic life changing event. He shares what he learned mostly in regard to attitude and how it is the one thing you have control of even in the darkest of situations. Also connected with this is living in the present and not concerning one’s self with the past and the future and just gathering strength and living in the moment.

 The last part of the  speech is about wheelchair awareness. Before the accident, Austin  didn’t know anyone in a wheelchair  and since has found out that most people are very confused on how to treat people with disabilities.  Austin clears up some myths and talks about life in a chair and how shares just how full his new life is.

The speech runs about 40 minutes with an audio/visual presentation incorporated. Of course it can be adapted  to be shorter or longer if there is  a Q & A (between 20 minutes and 80 minutes). Experiences in the past, is that the Q & A is sometimes the most fun part. Also he has experiences talking with college students and leading parent discussions.

For more information including a full speech on DVD please request a prospective client package by contacting Austin at austinwh@berkeley.edu or another method of communication as shown on the contact page 

  Previous High School Speaking Engagements 

 ( E15 = Every 15 Minutes Program Speech )

2008-2009 Calendar 

Oct 16 - La Jolla Country Day School - La Jolla, CA

Oct 27 - San Francisco Waldorf School - San Francisco, CA

Nov 11 - Palo Alto Prep School - Palo Alto, CA

Jan 15 - Campbell Hall School - North Hollywood, CA

Feb 2 - Holden High School - Orinda, CA

Feb 27-  Sonoma Academy  - Sonoma, CA
March 2 - Branson School -Ross, CA

March 3 - Henry M Gunn High School - Palo Alto, CA

March 17 - De La Salle High School (E15) - Concord, CA
April 16 - Heritage High School- Brentwood, CA

2009-2010 (limited booking due to law school application) 

April 13-14 - Foothill High School (E15) -  Pleasanton, CA

April 21 - Concord High School (E15)- Concord, CA

April 23 - Moreau Catholic High School - Hayward, CA

2010-2011 Calendar 

October 25 - JSerra High School - San Juan Capistrano, CA 

 October 27 - Freedom High (E15) - Oakley, CA

January 21 - Besant Hill School - Ojai, CA

March 30 - Northgate High School (E15) - Walnut Creek, CA 

April 1- Three Forks High School - Three Forks, MT

April 5 - Clayton Valley High School (E15) - Concord, CA 

April 5 - Deer Valley High School (E15) - Antioch, CA 

April 8 - Fruita Monument 10-12 - Fruita, CO

April 8 - Fruita Monument 8-9 - Fruita, CO 

April 11 - Palisade High School - Palisade, CO

May 4 - Salesian High School - Richmond, CA
October 5 - The Harker School - San Jose, CA 
October 20- St. Peter's Preparatory School - Jersey City, NJ 

2012-2013

November 2012 Manitoba Public Speaking Tour sponsored by Manitoba Public Insurance - see multimedia for CTV coverage

November 20th Edward Sheyer High School - Beausejour, MB

November 21 Grant Park - Winnipeg, MB
November 21 Landmark High School - Landmark, MB
November 22 Selkirk - Selkirk, MB
November 22 West Kildonan Collegiate - Winnipeg, MB
November 23 - Fort Richmond Collegiate  - Winnipeg, MB
November 26 Strugeon Heights - St. James, MB
November 26 Vincent Massey Collegiate - Winnipeg, MB
November 27 St. John's Ravencourt  - Winnipeg, MB
November 27 St. Paul's Collegiate - Winnipeg, MB
 November 28 Garden City Collegiate  - Winnipeg, MB
 November 28 Churchill High School - Winnipeg, MB


Winter/Spring 2013

January 26 - Clovis High School - Clovis, CA
March 25 - Atlanta International School - Atlanta, GA
April 5 - Vintage High School (E15)- Napa, CA
April 11 - St. Helena High School (E15) - St. Helena, CA 
April 23 - Deer Valley (E15)  - Antioch, CA 
May 15 Haddon Township High School - Westmont, NJ 
May 16 - Timber Creek High School -  Sicklerville, NJ
May 16 Highland Regional High School - Blackwood, NJ 
May 17 - San Marino High School - San Marino, CA 
May 30 - Triton High School - Runnemede, NJ