Lecture: Dr. Jason Powell
Discussing his book "Red-Headed Stepchild"
Dr. Jason Powell will be sharing the very personal story and will read a few passages from his book.
Growing up in a dangerous and abusive home at the hands of his stepfather, this red-headed stepchild had been beaten, stabbed, and psychologically tormented. Not only was he fearful for his own life but had to consider the safety of his mother and three small sisters from their alcoholic and drug addicted abuser.
After years of absolute torment, there was finally an opportunity of freedom for his family when his dad was imprisoned. However, relief was short lived when his mother died before he had even graduated high school. Fearing that his three half-sisters (ages 9, 7, and 2) would be sent to foster homes, he sought guardianship from the courts despite his young age and criminal past.
Dr. Powell shares a first-hand view of all the pain and suffering that accompanied his child abuse. Despite the circumstances, he shares how he was able to fight against the odds to overcome his past, while protecting his sisters in the process. This is a story of inspiration which demonstrates that none of us are defined by our past, but only by our willingness to succeed.
Dr. Jason Powell - Ed.D., M.Mus., B.M.E. is the Director of Strings and Choirs at Palm Springs High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Redlands, his master's degree in music education from Boston University, and his doctorate in leadership and educational justice from the University of Redlands. In addition to teaching, Jason serves as an inspirational speaker at different events throughout the valley and remains an active musician performing with multiple organizations.
He performs with the Coachella Valley Symphony (violin II) and leads the Irish folk/rock band "Midlife O'Crisis". He also performs in the yearly PSHS Broadway musicals as well as sings with the Festival Singers in Palm Desert. He Conducts the Valley Strings Community Orchestra, performs throughout the Coachella Valley in multiple churches, tap dances with Miss Janes Glamour Puss Studios, and conducts the Buddy Rogers Youth Symphony. In addition to these, Jason also serves as an Adjunct Professor with National University.
Dr. Powell has also had the honor and privilege of taking hundreds of young students on international music education tours to over 20 different countries throughout the world as well as marching in President Obama's Inaugural Parade in Washington DC in 2012. Not only is he also a published author with his doctoral dissertation "From Terror to Freedom - Empowering the Victim", but he is also the recipient of several awards including Outstanding Teacher at Palm Springs High School, an induction into the C.O.D. Hall of Fame as Alumni of the Year, and the Rotary-Alumni award for Excellence in Instrumental Performance. He was also nominated for the Grammy School's "Music Educator Award" where he advanced to the quarterfinals (top 290).
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