JOE KLIMCHAK
IN-GAME HOST, PITTSBURGH PIRATES
HELPING STUDENTS GET UNSTUCK
Depression, anxiety and low self-esteem are upending students' lives. There's a lack of focus in and out of the classroom and many teens are now questioning careers they once dreamed of. But there is hope and it can be grasped by any student with a simple change of mindset.
"I have sat through MANY assemblies in my 16 years of teaching, and yours, by far, was the most engaging, passionate, meaningful and interesting presentation I have ever seen."
AMANDA O'LEARY
Hempfield Area SD Teacher
"You have no idea how true to me your speech was. It sounded exactly like me. I just wanted you to know that your words were very helpful. You are the voice that students need to hear!"
BRODIE
Greenville JHS Student
"I was in a bit of a slump and feeling kind of lost, but today was the first day in a while that I have really thought about what I'm doing in life. Thank you for visiting our school today."
DARIUS
Northgate HS Student
"Your message was very impactful, especially at this time in my life. There were things you said that I really needed to hear. It seriously felt like you were talking to me."
CALEB
Grove City College Student
JOE'S MESSAGE
Youth speaker Joe Klimchak impacts and inspires students by sharing his personal story of how an ordinary kid with a speech impediment landed his dream job as an announcer in a Major League Baseball ballpark. Through relatable examples, Joe gives hope to teens who've lost sight of their goals or stopped dreaming altogether. His assemblies empower students to spend more time taking small action steps toward getting better at a skill and less time comparing themselves to others. Joe also shares how expecting failures, creating opportunities and showing kindness help make any dream job possible.
JOE HELPS STUDENTS . . .
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Build self-confidence
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Boost self-esteem
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Lower stress and anxiety
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Dream again
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Believe their dream career is possible
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Get motivated to learn new skills
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Become more resilient
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Actively seek opportunities
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Improve soft skills
ABOUT JOE
Joe Klimchak attended his first Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game in 1976 and it was love at first sight, smells and sounds. At the age of seven, he had found his happy place. The bright green turf of Three Rivers Stadium, the blended aroma of nachos, beer and billowing cigars, the upbeat melodies of organist Vince Lascheid and, most of all, the dulcet tones of Art McKennan on public address. While most of his friends dreamed of being the next Pops, Cobra or Scrap Iron, this Aliquippa kid dreamed of one day becoming the ballpark announcer for his beloved Buccos. That dream came true in 1994 when he won an audition to become the club's back-up public address announcer and in 2005 when he was named the In-Game Host at PNC Park. Now in his 19th season as In-Game Host, Joe's mission is to help students develop a growth mindset that makes any dream possible.
As Featured By
“It's a classic American story.” read feature