On October 13, Davey Muise, the lead singer of renowned Boston hardcore band, Vanna, visited Liberty High School. He encouraged students to find a positive outlet when they feel like they’re struggling — a “shovel” to dig themselves out of negative times.
In collaboration with Jostens, Muise, a former pre-school teacher, tours non-stop with Vanna, who have played in front of audiences in over 20 countries and sold nearly 100,000 records worldwide. Muise lives his life by following his heart and pursuing his passions without fear of judgment
“Over the summer, Jostens who does some great work with our graduates, indicated that they knew of some pretty great speakers that could come and talk to our students,” Assistant Principal Bridget Herrman said. “We as an administrator staff, combined with the counseling staff wanted to make sure our students had an opportunity to hear some positive messages about keeping your fellow friend safe, mentally and socially because we get some things that come down here like with social media that we thought you know what—we maybe need to take a bigger approach.”
Herrman, along with the counseling staff came in agreement that students should be supported academically, but also supported in wellness.
“Our thoughts were, ‘Let’s bring in someone who is going to be relevant,” Herrman said. “Someone who has a story to tell that will guide our students in dealing with today’s issues and promote a positive well-being.”
The school day was separated into two separate assemblies—freshmen and sophomores for the first session and juniors and seniors the second session. Counselors sent out reflection questions for advisors to go over with students after listening to Muise’s words.
Muise harnessed the lessons he has learned from living through depression, divorce, abandonment and failure and used them to help inspire future generations to do better.
“In my early 20’s, I began struggling with depression and feeling super alone,” Muise said. “I began doing a lot of drugs and drinking; I knew I had to dig myself out of a grave I was already in.”
Music was one thing that Muise worked very hard on.
“I realized that music is my shovel in my life,” Muise said. “I found a way to dig myself out through that, I wanted to help others dig themselves out.”
During the assembly Muise challenged everyone to “find their shovel”.
“Find the thing that you love, start digging out your school because I have met some of these kids and they’re buried and need help,” Muise said. “Let’s make this year the year that we dig out.”
Muise’s message is sure to resonate with today’s youth well after his visit.
“I thought the speaker was very inspiring,” junior McKenna Still said. “He showed that people from any background could reach their goals. He motivated me to reach out to people that may be in need and to be a better light in my community.”