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1,000 AVID Students Inspired
by Retired Army Golden Knight's Motivational Presentation
Mach 5, 2010
Double-Amputee Dana Bowman Skydives into Event and Shares Triumphant Message with Students in Plano ISD's AVID College-Prep Program
 "It's not the disability, it's the ability," is U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (Retired) Dana Bowman's message that he shares with people across the country. On March 4, he brought his message to 1,000 students in Plano ISD's AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, during a skydiving demonstration and motivational presentation that brought students to their feet in ovations of applause.
Dana Bowman was a Special Forces soldier and member of the U.S. Army's elite parachute team, The Golden Knights. In 1994, a mid-air collision cost him both of his legs. Dana's determination in the Army, and now in the civilian world, has earned him world wide recognition as a motivational speaker and skydive demonstrator.
On Thursday, March 4, he brought his message of overcoming adversity and mastering change to Plano, skydiving onto a grassy field adjacent to Chase Oaks Church, then settling into the church sanctuary with students to share his multi-media presentation that emphasizes "attitude" as the number one determinant of success.
"This flag stands for freedom. Show us a new direction and path. We're depending on you to help make us a better America," Bowman told AVID students, after his magnificent sky diving entrance.
"Whatever your dreams, you should be able to accomplish them and to land on target," Bowman told students several times during a video documentary journaling his tragic mid-air collision and his triumphant rise back to success.
While his military credentials as a Special Forces Sergeant are impressive, including a bronze star for bravery while at war in Panama, "That doesn't compare to today," he told students about his determination to succeed with prosthetic limbs.
1,000 AVID students watched and heard Bowman's inspirational story. The event was held at Chase Oaks Church in north Plano.
He lives in Weatherford, Texas, and has five children. He travels the country through the National Speakers Association inspiring youth and adults with his story. He has earned a commercial aviation degree from UND Aerospace. He flies CFII helicopters, seaplanes and is a multi-engine hot air balloon pilot. And, he bicycles, scuba dives, water skis and snow skis.
 "The sky is the limit," is Dana Bowman's message to anyone who thinks he or she has a disability. "It's up to you to choose the opportunities for success. The more you give, the more you get," he emphasized to the students. "At the end of the day, we're all one big team. Make us proud. The world is depending on you."
Bowman took students on a journey through the video documentary of his rise from double-amputee, saying, "It takes a great team to make great things happen. Don't give up; give back."
Bowman presented Plano ISD AVID Coordinator Kristin Anderson with the United States Special Operations Command Enduring Freedom Coin.
Bowman closed his presentation with a motivational video of his fellow military colleagues who overcame great disabilities by turning them into greater abilities, set to a song familiar to students about seizing opportunity: "Lose Yourself" by musician Eminem.
Prior to Bowman's presentation, and equally inspiring, were words of wisdom shared by AVID seniors who took to the stage to motivate their peers about staying in AVID.
"In January, 2009, both of my parents were laid off from their jobs," said Carmen Martinez. "I had to go to work from 3:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., get up at 6:00 a.m. and go to school. You can do it. Get selfish. Get focused. Stay in AVID."
A senior at Plano West, Erick Gomez, said "I made the best decision as a freshman to join AVID. It helps you with college applications, resumes and tutoring. Teachers and counselors are great resources. More importantly, we're all one family, and it's AVID!"
Plano East Senior Gustavo Martinez
shared his inspiration message with fellow AVID students. He is pictured on stage with fellow Plano East students Rosalba Ruiz and Carmen Martinez and Plano West Seniors Ashley Garner and Tina Goswami
Each senior on stage recited the many colleges and universities to which they have applied and been accepted. In total, these first graduating seniors of Plano ISD's AVID program have been offered $440,000 in college scholarships.
Plano East Senior Bertha Salmeron (with microphone) told fellow AVID students, "We are taking baby steps for the real world through AVID....Take as many higher-level classes as you can." Also pictured are Alex Wilkinson, Grisel Medina and Rosalba Ruiz from Plano East.
Plano Senior High School AVID seniors who shared their keys to success included Cyndy Owallah, Shanique Thomas and Angela Wilkinson.
The AVID students and their teachers wrapped up Bowman's presentation by heading to High Point Park for a picnic and games. "We are able to provide events like this because of generous donations from Wachovia, EDS Credit Union, ViewPoint Bank and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas," said AVID Coordinator Kristin Anderson.
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The mission of AVID is to ensure that all students, and most especially the least served students in the middle:
will succeed in a rigorous curriculum,
will complete a rigorous college preparatory path,
will enter mainstream activities of the school,
will increase their enrollment in four-year colleges, and
will become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society.
AVID students raised their hands to confirm that they know friends and family members who are serving or have served in the U.S. Military.
PSHS AVID students Nick Sanders and Rashad Smith let Bowman know that they appreciated his message.
Bowman autographed his card for students after the event.
AVID Teacher Gina Blankenship, Shepton High School, and her students enjoyed Bowman's inspirational message.
Students from across Plano ISD wore their AVID t-shirts to the motivational rally.
Kristin Anderson coordinates the district's AVID program.
(Above) Plano Senior High School AVID students Ashleigh Moss & Juan Navarro spotted Bowman parachuting down from the sky, as did Davaughn Steele of Vines High School (below).
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