West to share story of redemption at WHHS

Sometimes life presents itself in strange ways where even the best plans go awry and people fall from grace, only to find themselves living in a world they never would have envisioned.

Welcome to the life of Damon West, who will share his story of redemption at West Holmes High School Feb. 12-13.

Because West is in such high demand, the expense of bringing him to speak is not cheap, but West Holmes Superintendent Eric Jurkovic said if his message reaches even one student, it will be worth it.

Jurkovic and West Holmes Treasurer Jamie Mullet met with the Holmes County Commissioners, hoping they would financially support bringing West to the community event that is open to the public.

“We are bringing him in to speak for two days in February,” Jurkovic said. “He will speak to the high school students, to the middle school students, and we want to do a community event that Thursday night, and we will have him speak at a staff development day Friday morning.”

Jurkovic said he already has several key donors lined up to support West’s visit and is in talks with United Way, which wants to be involved. He said his hope is to raise $10,000, which only partially covers the expense of bringing West in.

“I’ll raise more if I can, and I didn’t know if the commissioners had money set aside for drug and alcohol awareness or addiction events,” Jurkovic said.

He also said he is working to invite area schools from bordering counties, hoping to take this event from one slated to be in Excalibur Theater to one that would need to take place in the WHHS gymnasium.

Mullet said West has become a national treasure as a motivational speaker, inspiring college and professional football teams coast to coast with his wisdom, passion and cautionary tale.

“When he went to prison, his parents told him he better come out the person they raised him to be or don’t come home at all,” Mullet said.

West grew up in Texas, a young boy filled with dreams of football glory. His career arc was proceeding as he hoped, and he eventually became a Division I starting quarterback at the University of North Texas.

Athletic and charismatic, a real leader on the gridiron, West seemed destined for success before injuries derailed his hopes of pursuing a football career prematurely.

That began a series of decisions that moved West down a dark, violent path. Without the structure and identity sports had provided, West struggled to find direction and eventually fell into a dangerous lifestyle fueled by drugs and poor decisions.

Hooked on methamphetamine, he became the leader of a burglary ring that targeted upscale homes in Dallas. In 2009 his crimes caught up with him. He was caught and sentenced to 65 years in a Texas prison.

Behind bars, his life took a pivotal turn after a fellow inmate shared a powerful metaphor: “Be a coffee bean.” The message meant that like a coffee bean changing boiling water into coffee, Damon could transform his environment rather than let it change him. He embraced the idea fully, dedicating himself to self-improvement, faith and serving others while incarcerated.

His attitude and demeanor changed vastly, so much so that after serving seven years, he was released on parole. His newfound faith and lifestyle continued upon his release, and he began sharing his story to help others avoid his path.

He eventually became a motivational speaker and author, co-writing the books “The Coffee Bean” and “The Change Agent,” books that inspired audiences across the country with his message of redemption and resilience.

Today, West’s story and life stand together as a powerful testament to the idea that no matter how far someone falls, they can still choose to rise, change and make a positive impact on the world.

Jurkovic said with vaping and THC becoming an issue in schools across the nation, West’s words are more important than ever.

“If we can get these kids at an early age, that would be great,” Jurkovic said.

Mullet said this story isn’t just for kids but for adults as well, noting West has a different message for every age group.

Commissioner Dave Hall said the county has a yearly opioid fund dedicated to these types of events, and the commissioners expressed intent on supporting the event.

“Those funds are opioid settlement funds, so it fits really well,” Hall said.

Jurkovic said they currently have $2,500, with United Way and the Holmes County Education Community Foundation both set to add their financial support along with several local businesses and organizations.

The commissioners quickly committed an additional $5,000 to the cause.

Jurkovic said he initially heard West speak two years ago and has heard him since then, and he said it is a message everyone should here.

Any individual, business or organization that would like to support this event can call Jurkovic at the West Holmes School Board Office at 330-674-3546.