By: Connie Pilston-Shoemaker - NCEF Promotional Writer

Kittanning, PA (December 4, 2006) Charlie Aeschliman, a former Navy Seal and NIKE basketball champion wowed the students at Kittanning Township Elementary on Monday, December 4. The high energy assembly had toes tapping and jaws dropping as Aeschliman juggled, dribbled, tossed and cavorted with red white and blue basketball balls.

In between his phenomenal display of basketball handling Aeschliman offered students something even more important than athletics; he laid out a game plan for them to accomplish their goals and dreams.

Sharing his stories of Navy Seal training and persevering through tough odds to graduate at the top of his class, Aeschliman gave the students the keys to his success and theirs as well. Beginning with the word integrity, he explained to the kids that there are no shortcuts to success. "You don't get your goals simply by wishing. You must work hard, success doesn't happen over night," he said. "Making good decisions leads to good consequences."

He shifted gears to perseverance and encouraged several students to try their hand with the basketball. He told the kids that he often failed when learning new tricks with the basketball or dropped the ball in front of audiences. Using stories about Michael Jordan, Abraham Lincoln and Helen Keller, he explained how they eventually gained success. "Even though they had failures and setbacks, they never gave up and eventually they achieved their dreams and success," said Aeschliman.

Ashley Szul of Kittanning, a fifth grader was inspired by Aeschliman. "I am a dancer and his talk made me want to focus more at getting even better," she said. "He talked about integrity and hard work being what it takes to get good at something. He was really great."

He also spoke on courage and how important it is to do the right thing when everyone is watching. During the assembly he spun a basketball on a book, toothbrushes, pens, a Frisbee, water bottles and the back of a spoon while he fed a student pudding.

"We love Charlie, he's been here before and we'll most likely have him back. The kids all think he is amazing and he is," said Principal Paula Kijowski. "Our CPT Organization sponsored the event," she added. Aeschliman was there through the cooperation of the National Character Education Foundation which presents motivational school assemblies through out the country.