View these wonderful videos, featuring Addie Graham-Kramer, Jeannie Johnson, Rochelle Lauret, and Don Ryswyk, where they discuss their thoughts and impressions after hearing Holly Hoffman speak. We thank everyone for their time and kind words!
Holly Hoffman video addresses hockey players and a arena filled hockey stadium at the South Dakota State Hockey Tournament on March 9, 2013
Holly-
I am an employee at Plankinton School and was one of the privileged to get to sit in on your speech today. I wanted to thank you so much for sharing your experience and sending such a positive message.
You are such a great speaker and an amazing role model.
Thanks!
Raya Bruns
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Holly,
I am a student at O’Gorman. you gave an amazing presentation today! thanks for coming and i just wanted to say that it was very encouraging to me.
Thanks, and God bless,
Mitchell Keena
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. My Mother-in-law is smiling down on us now as I write this … And saying. ”Ha” I got to her first !!! I must confess though, that I never miss the show. If I can’t catch it on Wednesday nite … I record it to watch it later. :-)Bob Sprang
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Thanks for coming to speak to the Future Production Ladies during Pageant Power Week! Your captivating talk on Survivor was so inspiring! Listening to your presentation allows me to learn form your experience and words of advice and helps me to develop the strategics I will need to be successful. Jus as you are a role model to me, I will continue to strive to be a role mode myself. Thanks again. You are truly appreciated.
Miss South Dakota Teen USA 2012
You did a fantastic presentation at ASHH Heart Days! Your adventure and sharing about reaching deep down in yourself was so inspiring. Employees continue to rave about your talk. You made a difference in me – in how I view the world – more opportunities and engaging – and most importantly the value of family and priorities in life. Your selection on Survivor was meant to happen. Thanks again!Jean Hunhoff
Thanks again Holly,
Miss South Dakota USA 2012
I was so touched by your story because it really spoke to me. It spoke to me because it showed me that you should “never give up” on yourself. There are alot of times where I want to give up. There are times I do give up. If you give up then you aren’t strong and you don’t believe in yourself. Most people only get to hear your speech once, but i got lucky enough to hear you speak twice. Keep on doing what you are doing. There are more children and adults who don’t believe in themselves so they need to hear you speak. Here is one of my sayings “If you give up you are not trying, and you can’t succeed if you don’t try.”
Thank you for coming to the Abbott House because we don’t really get opportunities like this. When you came and talked and shared your experience I felt like I was in a story book. You opened my eyes to different things and inspired me to be the best that I can be.
I so enjoyed our conversation as always. You are an inspiration to me and each time I hear you speak I am more impressed. I think back to being an 8th grader when you were a senior…I looked up to you then and continue to be motivated by you now. Thanks for being you and for inspiring others to find their inner strength. I continue to find inner strength where I can as well. Positive attitude. Marathon training is strengthening also.Again, thanks for your inspiration. Take Care. Sandra
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Dear Ms. Hoffman
It was a real honor to be in the audience last evening hearing your talk to the SD RTA. Hearing your wisdoms and insights gained after your “Survivor” experiences was very informative and moving.I was in Pierre from the National Office of AARP and I’m so glad that Ms. Johnson, SD RTA President, kindly shared one of your business cards with me. I didn’t get the chance to come up afterwards to greet you. It was touching to see all the retired teachers around you afterwards, wishing to all hear more (photo attached for your files).You are truly doing SD proud, and your message is powerful. Keep up your great, inspiring work.All the best,Lily Liu
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Thank you Holly,
As teachers we sometimes felt the need simply “to survive” especially during the month of May, but most of us would never have tackled what you did. We are proud of you! Thanks for motivating us and challenging us. We know we still have much to learn each day. Keep up the good work in sharing your message with all ages!
Thanks again Holly!
South Dakota Retired Teachers Association
Pat Johnson SDRTA President
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Thank you for the very motivational speech you gave tonight at the Groton Chamber women’s night. I really enjoyed learning about what it is like being on Survivor. I love how you tie it all together with Life’s lessons. You are truly an inspiring woman. Thank You again.
—Renee McKiver, Groton
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Holly Hoffman gave a tremendous presentation on her experiences on Survivor and life lessons learned while participating in the show. Very interesting and motivational. Every high school student should hear this presentation!
—Chris Nelson
Associate Professor USD Department of Nursing
Center of Excellence
—Michelle Nelson
Holly, I keep hearing over and over again how much you meant to different people. Deb Gering (the gal in the back who was filling water pitchers and scraping plates) was very touched by your caring spirit. And the M.C., Dean Dreessen, of the evening turned around at the closing of your presentation and whispered “WOW!” (and he is not easily impressed.) Tony Miller’s 3 children were mesmerized with you. Dawn Walz just asked for your email address because she wants to order books from you. Jeremy Waltner from the Freeman Courier was just in my office and he remarked again what an outstanding job you did for us. You are truly a gifted speaker. Thanks for helping us make our Gala a successful event! Keep up the good work. Safe travels.
—Ruth Strasser, Freeman Regional Health Services Foundation