A powerful no-excuses message from a record-setting quadruple amputee kicked off the school year for students at North Forsyth High School.
Kyle Maynard of Suwanee, was born without arms and legs below his elbows and knees. He broke a record by climbing to the top of Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro back in January.
Maynard told students on Thursday that if he can do that, they can do anything. He said his biggest passion is telling anyone who'll listen to never give up on their dreams.
"There is probably at least one major excuse in your life right now, that if you said that 'I'm giving that up,' it would change everything," said Maynard.
The message hit home with many of the teenagers.
"I have working body parts and there is really no excuse not to use them to my advantage," said Jacob Bailey.
"Everybody has their excuses whether they speak them out loud or just in the back of their head," said Jamie Hunt.
Kyle made his rounds through every grade at North Forsyth High School, speaking to more than 2,000 students. It was the students' idea to bring in Kyle to set a positive tone for the school year.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:06 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:06:52 GMT
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:00:01 GMT
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:32:57 GMT
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:28:55 GMT
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:50:02 GMT
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
Kyle Maynard talked to students at North Forsyth High School on Thursday, August 9, 2012.
