‘Get Up:’ Shen. Valley students urged to drop ‘false limitations’ by ex-WWE ref
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Motivational speaker Marc Hayford speaks to students at Shenandoah Valley on March 17, 2025.
SHENANDOAH – Students at the Shenandoah Valley Jr./Sr. High School heard an inspirational speech from a best-selling author and former WWE referee Monday.
Marc Hayford spoke to the student body through three assemblies, telling a story of resilience and what he called “failing forward” — not being afraid to take chances.
“Please be afraid to be bad at stuff,” Hayford said, noting that you cannot succeed if you don’t first try. “Nothing grows when it’s comfortable.”
He spoke of maintaining a positive mindset. He walked students through an exercise in which he challenged them to raise their hands as high as possible. When done, he challenged them to raise them even higher.
He had two tips for students for success: Show up, and outwork everybody.
Hayford also urged students to make good choices.
“I promise you’re worth it,” he said.
Hayford has written three books in addition to being a former WWE referee, an armed forces veteran, and a DJ and podcaster.
Full Photo Gallery
About Author
