Super Star Speaker Teaches Kids Importance of Staying Sober
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: September 26, 2012
HEYWORTH--He goes by Super.
Last name?
Star.
This man once known as Kris Kancler legally changed it after battling a life of drugs, alcohol, and low self esteem.
"I started to use because I was unhappy and wanted to cover my emotions," Star explained.
After taking a nearly lethal dose of heroin six years ago, he realized to keep on living he had to come clean.
"I'm not here to pretend I'm somebody that I'm not. I'm here to show I'm human."
Star says his problem stemmed from having low self esteem.
Bullying only made the situation worse.
That's why he travels the nation giving speeches to students called "We are One."
"All we want is love. So we have to give that love to get it back and then that's what I want to convey to them," said Star.
His message hits home for sophomore Haley Myers who admits she's been picked on too.
"I have been standing up for myself," said Myers. "I have been standing up for others that have been bullied."
Star works to speak with students on their level in hopes of breaking down the barriers that prevent messages from adults from sinking in.
"Later at night when they're laying in bed, they're going to be thinking about what he was really saying and really get something from it," said student Kyle Dujakovich.
As Star continues to take his speech across the country he says now his only addiction is helping students achieve their full potential.
Which comes when dreams are encouraged...and bullying and drugs....are left behind.
The assembly is made possible by Chestnut Health Systems.
The Bloomington agency provides behavioral and health counseling to people in need.
Last name?
Star.
This man once known as Kris Kancler legally changed it after battling a life of drugs, alcohol, and low self esteem.
"I started to use because I was unhappy and wanted to cover my emotions," Star explained.
After taking a nearly lethal dose of heroin six years ago, he realized to keep on living he had to come clean.
"I'm not here to pretend I'm somebody that I'm not. I'm here to show I'm human."
Star says his problem stemmed from having low self esteem.
Bullying only made the situation worse.
That's why he travels the nation giving speeches to students called "We are One."
"All we want is love. So we have to give that love to get it back and then that's what I want to convey to them," said Star.
His message hits home for sophomore Haley Myers who admits she's been picked on too.
"I have been standing up for myself," said Myers. "I have been standing up for others that have been bullied."
Star works to speak with students on their level in hopes of breaking down the barriers that prevent messages from adults from sinking in.
"Later at night when they're laying in bed, they're going to be thinking about what he was really saying and really get something from it," said student Kyle Dujakovich.
As Star continues to take his speech across the country he says now his only addiction is helping students achieve their full potential.
Which comes when dreams are encouraged...and bullying and drugs....are left behind.
The assembly is made possible by Chestnut Health Systems.
The Bloomington agency provides behavioral and health counseling to people in need.
