Antonedy Ledesma to speak June 18, 2013 at Passaic High School’s Shirelle Auditorium
By Hilltop Staff—
Mr. Antonedy Ledesma, a Passaic native and substitute teacher at PHS, is going to speak again in the Shirelle’s auditorium, on June 18. It is the second presentation of “Stay Rich N Famous,” a motivational speaking event for the graduating class of 2013. Mr. Ledesma, suffered a near–death experience caused by a bleeding ulcer in 2007. After he rebounded, he developed a motivational philosophy for youth which incorporates four key dimensions to life. He wants to tell students that positive thinking can change your life.
“Stay Rich ‘N Famous” is a philosophy for students to develop an indestructible mentality, “says Ledesma. Ledesma’s story of rebounding from a major illness helped him shape the core values of this philosophy of positive thinking. Since its inception, the “Stay Rich ‘N Famous” motivational event has impacted more than a thousand students urging them to develop a positive attitude and at the same time, find their purpose in life.
The idea for this event goes all the way back to 2008, when, during his first year during a long term substituting position at Passaic High School, a student filled the classroom chalkboard on behalf of the entire class with appreciative comments, to wish Mr. Ledesma a speedy recovery. This simple act of kindness by a PHS student was the catalyst for Ledesma to develop his “Stay Rich ‘N Famous” philosophy and motivational message, which he considers to be self-therapy, allowing students to believe in themselves.
In addition to substitute teaching, Mr. Ledesma has also volunteered as a baseball coach for Passaic’s Deich Brady League. He has also mentored and assisted students with behavioral challenges, including those on probation, teenage parents, and foster kids. He even works with the NJ Children’s System of Care to help youths who have become involved in gangs.
A substitute teacher at PHS, Mr. Ledesma believes in inspiring today’s youth to reach their potential. He hopes to build a “Stay Rich ‘N Famous” foundation, release a book, and even develop a curriculum.
