Glendon students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 packed their school's gymnasium on March 7 to hear local country/rock musician Clayton Bellamy tell his story of success and encourage them to follow their own dreams.
In partnership with Cenovus Energy, Bellamy wrapped up his “Everyone's a Dreamer" Northern Lights School District tour, which was inspired by the track and album of the same name released earlier this month.
Originally hailing from Bonnyville and with numerous accolades to his name such as a Juno Award and a performance at the Grand Ole Opry, Bellamy's tour at each school included a speech, performance and video presentation.
Joining Bellamy on screen was Terry Grant from the Mantracker television show and Nashville Predators forward Jordan Tootoo.
“I reached out to them because I was looking for people to give their testimony for this project," Bellamy said in an interview after the presentation. “I didn't want the kids to just take my word that you can achieve your dreams and goals that you set out."
Inspired by his own musical journey, which went from small town northern Alberta to playing live shows in China, Bellamy stressed five points during his speech: do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life, make a plan and follow through with it, surround yourself with excellence, there's no such thing as luck and be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.
“I just want them to think about making a plan, that's the most important thing," he said regarding the students. “Not just having an idea of what you want to do and have it rattling around in your head. To really internalize it, put it down on paper and make it a reality."
Bellamy said he was amazed at the reaction from the students at Glendon and remembered being in their shoes when he young and discovering his own dream.
“Today it was off the hook," he said. “These kids were on fire. It was awesome. I remember growing up in Bonnyville and I knew I wanted to be a musician, but never really being able to connect the dots. It's really great to be able to come back and tell the kids that I'm from here, I'm one of you, I did this and you can do it too.
“It's hard work, I'm not going to kid anyone," he added. “It wasn't a five-year plan for me. It's been 15 years to get from there to here and I'm still striving to be the best at what I do."
Glendon's principal Kenneth Pshyk said both he and the students were very exited to have Bellamy's inspirational presentation at their school.
“Clayton Bellamy is a local boy who has made the big time and followed his dreams," Pshyk said. “What better person to have come speak to our students? You can't ask for a better representative than that.
“I would really like the students to just be able to understand that the sky is the limit," he continued. “They can do anything they want to do and Clayton Bellamy is a perfect example of that. I want them to be the best they can be."
Though the goal each student decides to pursue may be ambitious and sometimes daunting, Bellamy stressed how important it is to believe in yourself and at least try to achieve it.
“A lot of times it's just about putting one foot in front of the other," he said. “If you don't just get in the ring it won't happen. The plan can shift, move and change, but the goal remains the same."
