Bill Ballenger, motivational speaker and international recording artist, is bringing his “Break the Grey” program to Buchanan and Niles high schools Tuesday.

Ballenger will speak at Buchanan in the morning and then Niles from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

The program is being put on by Niles High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) group.

“They bring a positive, upbeat message that is needed at a time of year when it is gloomy out,” said SADD advisor Karissa Young.

The program discusses issues such as substance abuse, suicide, bullying, peer pressure, self worth, life and death, and inner beauty among high school and middle school students.

Part of Break the Grey’s format is traveling with a cast of college age BTG interns who perform relevant skits coupled with popular music and a multi-media presentation with screens and projectors.

Ballenger has a story to share of bad choices culminating in a three-year prison conviction for him and his wife in Indiana at 18. He shares his story challenging students not to make the choices he made and to take their lives and their futures seriously.

Break the Grey has traveled across many states in America with these messages bringing long term change to the student’s lives.

“Break the Grey” is a non-profit organization defining life for America’s youth through the public school system and beyond. Every day another life is lost somewhere between the clutches of indecision, uncertainty, right and wrong. Through assembly programs, internship, concert events, and outreaches, Break the Grey continues to offer a message of character development, integrity and absolutes to this generation.

Find out more about Bill Ballenger and Break the Grey at www.breakthegrey.com