As part of its SAFFE CDUB Week, Nov. 18 to 25, Centre Wellington District High School (CWDHS) welcomed country singer-songwriter Ryan Laird and his message about bullies and chasing dreams.
Laird, a former CWDHS and John Black Public School student, grew up on a 100-acre beef farm in Belwood, and currently lives in Nashville Tennessee pursuing his dreams as a country singer-songwriter.
Laird focused the Nov. 20 discussion on expressing to students how they should never let a bully stand in the way of happiness, chasing dreams and being successful.
Using personal experiences as an example, he said if he can do it, anyone can.
He incorporated his music into the discussion, including the song he wrote about the bullying he experienced during his school days at CWDHS.
The song, entitled “Ashley,” may be inspirational to students who are also victims of bullying.
“It’s been a great experience for me to get to return to my hometown area and share this inspirational message with the students,” said Laird.
He encouraged students to step up to the microphone and share dreams they have, and a few students who dream of becoming singers themselves, shared their singing talent with fellow students.
“Ultimately just really believe in yourself to make your dreams come true,” said Laird.
November was a very busy month for Laird, as he travelled to two schools a day – and approximately 20 throughout the month.
He has also travelled to well over 70 schools across Ontario, in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Edmonton, Halifax and other areas, but noted he travels around the Upper Grand District School Board more than any other region.
“It was like we planted a seed and the branches started to grow I guess,” Laird said.
At the age of 18, Laird took his guitar and headed to Nashville, where he wrote 300 songs, and got a record deal within a year. In 2008, he put up a billboard on famed Music Row, across from Taylor Swift’s record label, asking her to help produce his album.
Laird has toured with artists such as Alan Jackson, Emerson Drive and Terri Clark.
Anyone interested in having Ryan Laird share his anti-bullying message, is invited to contact him through Facebook or at www.ryanlaird.com.
