Coverly to talk at GCC, Hurley K-12

IRONWOOD - Tom Coverly, an international speaker, comedian and illusionist, will appear at Gogebic Community College and the Hurley K-12 School on Wednesday.

The Range Suicide Prevention Council, Gogebic Community Mental Health, Cornerstone Church and Wakefield-Marenisco and the Bessemer, Ironwood and Hurley schools are bringing Coverly to Gogebic and Iron counties.

Coverly will speak to area middle and high school students at GCC during the school day and to the general public at 6 p.m. at the Hurley K-12 auditorium.

A GCMH spokesperson said Coverly has been speaking to teenagers for more than 20 years and his "Destroy Illusions" presentation has become one of the most requested school assemblies in the nation for teens.

Coverly, currently living in the Grand Rapids, grew up in one of the roughest cities in America, Camden, N.J. He was a small kid, which made him vulnerable to bullying in school.

Coverly's personal story includes his past choices to fight, steal, attempt suicide and trouble with the law.

His life choices seemed to be swirling out of control until a caring person spoke truth against the "you're not good enough and worthless" lies Coverly believed of himself.

Now, Coverly's mission is to speak the same truth to students around the world, instilling in them that the decisions they make at a young age could have consequences that follow them for the rest of their lives.

During his presentation, Coverly will address bullying, suicide, cutting and drug and alcohol use. His goal is to entertain through comedy, illusions and real personal stories.

Coverly said he loves to meet and talk with students, parents and families after his presentations and he encourages it to happen by allowing time for "meet and greet" sessions following presentations.

For more information, contact Missy Lane at Gogebic Community Mental Health, 906-229-6105. More information on Coverly and Destroy Illusions can be found at destroyillusions.com.

-Tom Stankard