Jenna Bush Hager gives keynote speech at banquet

The daughter of former President George W. Bush, Jenna Bush Hager, gave the keynote speech at an annual banquet and fundraiser for On Point on Thursday night, sharing her own stories about educational work at home and abroad.

Hager congratulated On Point on the progress the nonprofit organization has made through a variety of initiatives, saying the investments its volunteers have made in the region’s youth are invaluable.

“I want to thank you so much for everything you do through On Point for your community. Through your work and the support for this organization, you have the chance to change lives,” she said.

Founded as a youth development organization in 1991, On Point has grown to impact the lives of 13,000 adolescents in Chattanooga, North Georgia and Cleveland. Their program curriculum is now used in schools in 40 states.

Hager said she developed a better appreciation for the role of teachers in youth empowerment by working as an elementary teacher in the inner city of Washington, D.C.

“My kids were, they are, brilliant, but the odds were stacked against them,” she said.

The president of On Point, Amy Pearson, introduced Hager after providing an update on the organization’s work, as well as administrators’ hopes for what they hope to accomplish over the next several years.

She highlighted several programs, including Life On Point, which is a weekly “life education course designed to give the support, accountability and skills students need to thrive,” according to the organization’s website.

“The more assets a young person has, the higher their chance of success,” Pearson said.

She also cited several troubling statistics about youth development in the region. She said Tennessee is ranked 38th in the nation in child wellbeing and 36th in educational well-being.

“In Chattanooga and Cleveland, we have gaps,” she said. “Clearly, there is much work to be done, and we need all of us.”

But she and Hager both insisted the future is bright, encouraging citizens to continue volunteering their time and money to support and empower local youth.

“We know that every small act will be an investment that is worthwhile,” Hager said.