Covington Middle School Principal Lori Mattson, left, and motivational speaker Carlos “Chu” Ojeda Jr. share a moment during his recent visit to CMS. Ojeda encouraged students to fight for their future and not dwell on negative circumstances. At Family Engagement Night, he reminded parents that they play an important role in building their children’s confidence and helping them stay focused on their goals. (AHPS Photo)

CMS Students, Families Challenged To Stay Focused   Low Moor, VA (Aug. 24, 2026) - Carlos “Chu” Ojeda Jr. knows what it means to face challenges early in life. The nationally recognized motivational speaker and entrepreneur, who has a hearing impairment and witnessed a murder at age 10, told Covington Middle School students Aug. 18 that their circumstances do not have to determine their future. Ojeda spoke with CMS students in grades 6-8 in separate grade-level sessions during a GEAR UP event. Students listened closely, responded to his questions and laughed at his humor as he mixed personal stories with lessons about perseverance, confidence and making good choices. Students also were encouraged to return that evening with their parents for a Family Engagement Night featuring Ojeda. The event gave families an opportunity to hear his message together and learn more about the role parents can play in helping their children build confidence and stay focused on their goals. The event was part of an ongoing partnership between Alleghany Highlands Public Schools and Longwood University through GEAR UP, a federally funded program that helps students prepare for college, careers and life after high school. Longwood serves as a GEAR UP facilitator for 14 Virginia school divisions, including Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. The program provides students with opportunities for leadership development, college and career exploration, mentoring and family engagement. For CMS students, the partnership has already extended beyond the school building. Earlier this summer, five students spent three days at Longwood for a GEAR UP leadership camp, taking part in team-building activities, leadership challenges and experiences designed to give them a look at college life. “At Covington Middle School, we believe every student deserves to have someone in their corner, someone who sees their potential, believes in them, and reminds them that their future is full of possibilities,” CMS Principal Lori Mattson said. “That is what opportunities like GEAR UP and having Carlos ‘Chu’ here are really about. It’s not simply about exposing students to college and careers; it’s about helping them discover who they are, recognize what they are capable of, and understand that their choices today can open doors tomorrow. When students are engaged, connected, and surrounded by adults who genuinely believe in them, they begin to believe in themselves. That is the heart of our mission at CMS – ‘Every Student. Every Day. No Exceptions,’” Mattson added. Ojeda grew up in Newark, N.J., where he witnessed a murder at age 10. His family later moved to Pennsylvania, hoping the change would give him a fresh start. He also faced people who told him he would not amount to anything. Instead of letting those words stop him, Ojeda used them as motivation to keep going. Those experiences became part of the story he now shares with young people as he encourages them to overcome challenges, recognize their strengths and believe in what they can accomplish. “Your voice is your power,” Ojeda told students. “We spend so much time fighting against things, but we need to start fighting for things, fighting for our education, fighting for our families, and fighting for our future.” He also challenged students to look beyond the challenges they may face today. “Don’t let where you start determine where you finish,” Ojeda said. “Your story is still being written, and you hold the pen.” Ojeda is the founder of CoolSpeak, a youth engagement company that provides programs for students, educators and parents nationwide. He also is a former higher education professional and university professor. During the Family Engagement Night, Ojeda encouraged parents to support their children with encouragement, connection and positive examples at home. “These are the years where you say the real things: ‘I believe in you, I love you, I’ve got your back,’” he said. “All those affirmations completely change the way kids look at themselves and the way they look at the world.” The Family Engagement Night brought CMS students and their parents together to hear Ojeda’s message and learn more about the support available through GEAR UP. “We’re incredibly excited about what GEAR UP is bringing to our students and families,” Mattson said. “These opportunities allow our students to experience things they may not otherwise have the chance to experience, while helping them discover their strengths, dream bigger and begin to see what is possible for their future. We want every student at CMS to know that where they are today does not define where they can go tomorrow. With the right opportunities, support and people believing in them, there is no limit to what they can achieve.”

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