The hush of a crowded auditorium—filled with graduates, families, teachers and administrators—had caused the listeners to wonder who exactly was standing behind the podium as their guest speaker for the 2015 Commencement Ceremony. This 1985 graduate recently turned some heads in the community when he organized the “Woodward Weight Room Challenge,” while contributing to a new state-of-the-art facility at LakeVille High School. Best-selling author, Guiness World Record Holder and co-founder of a multi-million dollar leadership company (Life Leadership), Orrin Woodward grew up in the small community encompassing Columbiaville, Otisville and Otter Lake in Michigan and has never forgotten his roots.
Prior to the 2015 school year, Orrin met with Superintendent Vickie Luoma and Principal Mary Haslinger of LakeVille High School, to discuss ways to inspire the next generation:
“Our students lack belief in themselves. They think that they have less opportunity and chances for success because they are from a small town.” -Mary Haslinger (Principal of LakeVille High)
“I originally contacted Orrin to help us help our students understand that they are important and, like Orrin, have the capacity to change the world if they have the desire and are willing to do the hard work necessary.” -Vickie Lumoa (Superintendent of LakeVille Community Schools)
Orrin remembers his earlier days attending LakeVille, and the teachers who influenced him. One such elementary school teacher was Frans Luoma (late husband of Vickie Luoma), who later transitioned into being the principal, as well as becoming one of Orrin’s first mentors growing up. Because of the great start that LakeVille gave Orrin, he knew he wanted to help somehow. At the start of the school year, he spoke to the teaching staff and shared stories of growing up there—and how the relationships he developed with teachers helped him and gave him the strength to get through the difficult times.
“His message to the teachers was powerful, and it helped our staff also believe in their capacity to impact the future generations. Many of our teachers work with 150 students per year; in a 30-year career, his message could impact many, many generations of students.” -Vickie Luoma (Superintendent)
Before finding the need and organizing the efforts to raise money to build a new weight room for the high school, Orrin also spoke to the student-athletes prior to the 2015 school year. He then officially committed to match dollar-for-dollar of the money that the students raised.
“Orrin’s sponsorship of the weight room challenge was unique. He made our students his partners in improving their environment. They had accountability for improving their program. Our students took great pride in what they helped build and they feel very special because one of their own (a LakeVille Falcon) and a person of Orrin’s importance was willing to give them not only his money, but his time. The amount of money they worked together to raise is pretty astounding in a school district with a 60% free and reduced lunch rate.” -Vickie Luoma (Superintendent)
On Wednesday, June 3rd, 2015, Orrin went a step deeper into the LakeVille legacy when he stood before the 2015 graduating class to share an important message to the students.
“Follow your dreams even when it’s tough, and even when people say you can’t do it. Winners do what the rest say cannot be done. LakeVille was a great place to have roots, and now it’s time for the 2015 Falcons to spread their wings.” -Orrin Woodward
Orrin’s story—which consisted of detailed humor of his humble beginnings—certainly showed the students that if they believed in themselves and worked hard, they could do and be anything that they put their minds to. The crowd stayed engaged, entertained and inspired throughout the duration of Orrin’s message; and the buzz from parents, students and teachers could be heard for hours after the ceremony.
“Many people commented on how inspirational Orrin was. He actually had a really hard time getting out of the auditorium and parking lot because students, parents and grandparents kept stopping and thanking him…my late husband Frans would talk so highly of him, and when I first met him last summer he was exactly who my husband descibed him to be. Orrin is a very genuine person who has worked hard and has overcome a lot of adversity for his success. He has never forgotten where he came from (and always stayed in touch with Frans until his passing), and is an outstanding leader—he truly lives the verse, ‘to whom much is given, much will be required’ (Luke 12:48 )” -Vickie Luoma (Superintendent)
“Orrin Woodward is a guy who is about all of the right stuff—our kids (the next generation) and his family; He is an incredibly authentic and genuine person.” -Mary Huslinger (Principal)
It’s been said that the heart of a leader is a reflection of their character. Orrin is a servant leader who cares about people, strives to make a difference and aspires to leave a legacy that will impact the next generation. Helping the LakeVille High community was just one way he knew to give back. He comments:
“If you are blessed, then be a blessing. Mr. Frans Luoma poured encouragement and truth into me—as well as other teachers and coaches at LakeVille—and I wanted to pay it forward.” -Orrin Woodward
The 2015 LakeVille High Commencement committee nailed it when they appointed Orrin Woodward as the speaker. Not only does he lead and influence tens of thousands of people in Life Leadership, he is now impacting the young lives of those in the community where he grew up. Orrin is grateful to have had the early guidance from Mr. Luoma, who taught him, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”—and he hopes that his story will motivate the students to never stop chasing their dreams.
Phil Wall says
Inspirational and moving story of serving and giving back to others. Remembering your roots. Proud to be following Orrin Woodward.
Dave Chatmon says
What a great way to say thank you to those that started you in life and what a amazing opportunity for the those young graduates to be able to start their future with so much fore site and encouragement knowing that they too can accomplish greatness.
Way to go Orrin
Greg and Wendy Burkhardt says
Wow what at an amazing opportunity to give back to the students and the community. It’s inspiring to see all of the blessings being paid forward by a Man to whom much is given much is reqired. Orrin you inspire Wendy and I everyday, to step out of our comfort zone. Go out looking for the dark places to let our light SHINE.
Thank you and so many others that are doing the same thing.
Alex Nickerson says
This is news that should be on the front page of your states or provinces newspaper. Thanks for this article, keep it coming, great stuff
Alex Nickerson
Jeremy Pethke says
This is awesome! Orrin truly leads by example. I feel very blessed to be following a man of such vision and character!
Jenny LaPierre says
What an incredibly inspirational way to send these young adults into the next phase of their lives! Amazing article! So blessed to be a part of LIFE Leadership and everything it stands for.
Thank you.
Jenny
Chris Minick says
What a great article! The message of hope from someone who didn’t just give them a hand out, but a hand up, will likely stay with them for a long time!
Dennis Squires says
Great for our young people to see that it doesn’t matter where you come from, you can become who you want! So proud to be a part of Life Leadership!
Tim Jarvinen says
This is success to me! If you’re blessed, then be a blessing. I hope it reminded all that we have ALL been blessed, regardless of standing. Orrin Woodward is a model example to follow!
Sharon Hoffman says
I have always enjoyed Orrin’s stories of his high school days. I can’t think of a better speaker to send off any graduating class! Congrats Orrin and congrats to the class of 2015!
Pat says
Wonderful giving back Orrin. This young generation has so much to offer and your casting a vision for them will truly impact their lives. You will someday hear one of them at future graduations give you credit for all they have accomplished because of what they heard you say to them. Wisdom and belief from Mr. Frans Luoma, to Mr. Orrin Woodward and then to so many more.
Proud to know you!
Heidi says
I love this blog. There are so many wonderful things Life Members are doing in their communities (with Orrin leading the way), but none of them will shout it from the roof tops. Thanks for posting!
Tim Stephens says
Those young people will never be the same.
READ. LISTEN. ASSOCIATE. APPLY.
If you follow the above, you will succeed!
Rick Tillmann says
Orrin, once again, blazing the trail for us. You are showing us by your actions, not just words, how one man can put a dent in the universe. Remembering that you are the average of the five people you hang around with the most, just imagine hanging around with a group of people equally committed to that same purpose…welcome to LIFE LEADERSHIP!!!
Tina Abernathy says
Great article of Dream Struggle Victory: the dream of a student to believe success is available .. The struggle to find belief and the victory of a Teacher impacting a LIFE that impacts a LIFE that impacts a world
Onward to 1 million
Clint Fix says
What an excellent display of service and leadership. Orrin easily could have given the school a new weight room. Instead he made them participate and have ownership and pride in their accomplishment. Hand up, not hand out.
Robby Palmer says
I am so amazed by this man. I’ve personally been able to have moments, when just for 30 seconds he has delivered more personalized, encouraging words that have profoundly affected my life. Usually one can think of moments in their life, and remember only a handful of the moments they were truly influenced to believe they had greatness inside of them. The more time I spend around these kind of people, the better I become. Thanks Orrin Woodward for your great example! Anything less than this true, inspirational, generosity would just be a scam.
Wade Hamblin says
Fantastic opportunity for the students, teachers and parents of this school. And a humble heart from Orrin to take his time to give back and share with them.
Kevin Swedberg says
Great story – thanks for sharing it. It is awesome to see the principles that are taught through Life Leadership materials, being lived out as an example to follow. I love that the donation to the school wasn’t given as a hand out, but rather as a teachable moment and hand up to the students. What a privilege for those families to see someone who started where they are and showed them the path to take so they can experience results in life they want as well. Thanks for the great article.
Kirk Porter says
I love reading stories like this! I love the fact that Orrin is still giving back to his community after all the success he has had. He has never forgotten where he came from.
CJ Calvert says
What a remarkable evening for those students, and how gracious of Orrin to open match them dollar-for-dollar toward their new weight room. So proud to be associated with a man of the caliber of Mr. Orrin Woodward.
Ryan Blakely says
So blessed to be part of a company that throws their hearts over the bar. Always leading with character and integrity and changing the so called “norm” in society. Thanks Orrin for setting the bar and leading by example.
Kelli Sager says
What an awesone article ! We in the Life community know what a servant heart Orrin has , and are blessed because of it. So happy that the people in his “original” community get to see this !
Carol Medina says
What an amazing opportunity for Orrin to pay it forward to the community that he grew up in. We all need to follow this example and find a way to reach the next generation and encourage them to strive for their dreams no matter what for they are truly our greatest asset.
Bob Raz says
Leading by example and paying it forward!! Awesome, thx for your leadership!
Jerry Harteis says
Well done Orrrin. I’m sure that they were amazed and inspired. It is great to see you continue to light candles of hope wherever you go. I had the chance to speak at my college’s commencement a few years back. And to see those young, hopeful, energetic faces as they watch and listen so intently gives us hope for the future generation.
Jerry & Polly
John Mossner says
Great article! Pretty amazing he couldn’t speak in front of a group in high school and now able to inspire students, teachers and parents.
wendi says
This story brought tears to my eyes as I pictured all the students feeling such accomplishment raising that money and having such an awesome role model as Orrin Woodward. I love being a part of the life leadership community and all it encompasses.
Heather Williams says
Awesome post! I know some of those graduates will be looking back at Orrin’s speech and saying it was a turning point for them!
Linda Sovey says
This article is amazing but it is not surprising. Orrin has always led us by example and both him and Laurie are the best servant leaders this country has ever seen.
Steve Leurquin says
Wow! I bet the ripple effect from Orrin’s talk will last generations!
Rob Robson says
What an inspiration for those young people to be able to see what is possible in their own future through the example of one of their own, Orrin Woodward. Whole communities are transformed when even one person has the courage to chase their dream and stand up for their convictions. Way to go Orrin!
Georgia Baker says
Wow what an advantage this graduating class had to hear from Orrin ! I sure wish when I was their age there was such an influence . Thank God today for the gift of life leadership we have the opportunity & responsibility to lead people to truth & greatness .
Melanie says
What an inspiration and experience! We will change the world!
Dillon Knezevich says
It’s amazing to see such an outstanding servant-leader take time from his schedule to help the people of his home town and to encourage the next generation to keep chasing their dreams! Orrin inspires me to chase my dreams everyday!
Nathan Taylor says
Thank you for inspiring these young men and women like you have tens of thousands of others.,
wow this is awesome!
Tony Tefel says
Staying connected with the community you grew up in is so important when there is so little hope, and you’ve been able to achieve so much. Thank you for serving and being such a great example!
Michelle says
AWESOME! I’m wondering how many in the crowd will truly recognize the significance of hearing Mr. Orrin Woodward give that 2015 commencement speech…they were touched by a true servant leader. Thanks, Orrin, for your continued example of humility, service, inspiration and success.
Greg M. says
Awesome! No one better for the job.
Meko & Stacey Arroyo says
What a fantastic way to give back and lead our youth. Orrin you continue to inspire and lead everyone you touch, we are proud to be associated with you.
Renee Oettinger says
I am so blessed to have known Orrin for the last 15 years. As was said in the article he is a man of conviction and character, fighting for truth in a world which had become apathetic. Thank you Orrin and Laurie for leading.
Michele Lewis says
Awesome. What an inspiration. Thanks Orrin for your example.
Judy Rohde says
Thank you, Orrin, for inspiring the younger generation to believe in themselves. I remember you saying, “There are no hopeless situations….just situations with hopeless people.”
Chris Brady says
Orrin Woodward truly is an American success story. He comes from humble beginnings, didn’t have any head starts in life, and worked hard for all he has accomplished. If an obscure high school kid from a country school can do all that he has done, what can others inspired by his example accomplish?
I hope the students of LakeVille got a glimpse of what could be in their own lives!
And I, for one, appreciate that Orrin takes time from his busy schedule to give back to the community in such ways. He truly embodies the spirit of the Life on Life initiative.
Chris Brady
Matt Selph says
What a great idea to match their effort. I would like to do something like this for my school.
Pete Houston says
I have to comment on the truth about LIFE Leadership. My biggest struggle in talking to people is to help them see what this company really is. “By their fruits ye shall know them” rings a bell. As I look at this blog, isn’t it obvious that LIFE Leadership is doing something different and good? The leaders of this company are inspired men. LIFE Leadership has changed my life for the better and will continue to do so for as long as I live. Thank you LIFE!
Tennyson Heen says
What a great event the LakeVille Community got by having Orrin be their commencement speaker. To realize someone just like them can make it and did make it. Not just an inspiration to LIFE Leadership, but to the community in which he lives. How he took the athletes on to be partners in raising the money for their new weight room. Great example, great leader fortunate community for them to have him living in the area he grew up and creating good memories for the generations to come.
Peggi Kern says
I met a woman who was a neighbor of the Woodward family as Orrin was a student in Lakeville High School. Her son is a graduate this year and had the opportunity to be in the audience hearing Orrin speak. How amazing for that young man and his family to hear from Orrin, see that he is willing to give back to the school and inspire those students to continue their journey of success! Orrin is truly a great leader!
David Cassiday says
Great to know that Orrin Woodward gives credit to his roots. Teachers do make a difference and there is nothing more gratifying than hearing such from former students (while the next generation of learners and leaders is being inspired by leaders like Orrin Woodward at a memorable event). Life Leadership also makes a difference as per the evidence of the entire blog and beyond! Team work at its finest!
Angela hunstiger says
The real role models are leaders that ask how they can have an even greater reach with the gifts they’ve been given. So proud to be following leaders like Orrin and the other LIFE founders!
Pat Edwards says
Its an honor to follow such a man, that displays the character, integrity and servant leadership, as Orrin Woodward. Proud to be part of Life Leadership.
Kirk Birtles says
Man o man, I wish I was in the audience while he was telling his ’31 laps’ story! I know he made an impact. Orrin Woodward is a humble force for good! He personifies, Micah 6:8 (paraphrased) ‘….do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God…’ Thank for all that you do big man!!
Huey Barnett says
How inspiring! You truly made an impact on those LakeVille High students (and families) that will ripple throughout generations; changing this country one person at a time. You are a true leader and definitely making a difference. God bless.
Steve Sager says
From 31 laps, to candy bars, to the wrestling mat. …Orrin has displayed a tenacious attitude of winning with principles and integrity. What a huge blessing to be able to speak where his roots developed in the early years- to what he has done for so many across the world. Thank you Orrin for sacrificing the good, in order to be great!