'Dr. Steve' raises students' eyebrows

Cody High School Equus

Anything can be replaced but you. This was the message from guest speaker Dr. Stephen Sroka, PhD, to CHS students on Friday, Sept 23.

Sroka delivered his talk, “Lessons You May Not Get A Second Chance To Learn,” on the eve of National Suicide Prevention Week. The content of the speech, however, raised eyebrows in approval and shock.

“He didn’t go as in depth as he should because he didn’t have any time,” said junior Lilly Lowham, who is involved with Sources of Strength, a program designed to increase connections between peers so when a person is having a rough time in their life, they have someone to whom they can turn.

“He was highly recommended; he had been on Oprah and he had a prestigious resume,” said school counselor Mrs. Doreen Thunder, who added the Wyoming Department of Health referred Sroka.

Sroka’s “Power of One” message, Thunder said, is nationally recognized. Lowham added Sources of Strength group had a lunch with Sroka the day before the assembly.

“He is crazy and fun and he really knows what he is talking about,” Lowham said.

Some who attended his talk, however, shuddered at some of Sroka’s material.

“I think a couple of his remarks distracted from his message because students were so shocked,” history teacher Ms. Julia Hoskin said. “I hope they remember the message, but I don’t know.”

Thunder said she warned Sroka to keep it appropriate.

“I told him that Cody was a conservative community,” Thunder said. “I told him to speak to the kids, though, and he did. He was authentic.”

The observation of Cody being a conservative community was shared among teachers.

“I think his approach was different than what we’re used to in Cody, Wyoming,” music teacher Mr. Wade French said. “But I think he got his message across.”

Other students believe Sroka was completely appropriate.

“I think he was appropriate because he made it fun instead of slow and boring,” sophomore Devyn Brotherton said.

Sroka talks to students K-12 and professionals involved with mentoring to children all around the country about the “Power of One.”