Join us for this free monthly inspirational speaker series for teens and young adults. Hear from outstanding local professionals who encourage you to set the bar high in all areas of your life including career choices, finances, relationships, and more. The series motto is, “Get the most out of life, so life can get the most out of you.”
 
Each session is held from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the JBK Theater, Visual & Performing Arts Center, at FCC. Speakers cover a wide array of topics, discuss their successes and challenges, and share important life and career lessons. Each talk includes a 30- to 40-minute presentation, followed by a question-and-answer period.
 
The series is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no registration—students simply sign in when they arrive. Teens and young adults who attend three of the six sessions in an academic year are eligible to receive a certificate of leadership and participation.
 
FCC works closely with community groups including Frederick County Public Schools, Frederick County Public Libraries, and YMCA of Frederick County to promote the series and serve area families.

 

 

2019-2020 Moving Mountains Speakers:

 

October 2, 2019

MEAGHAN DELAWTER, ESQ.
Owner of d|law

 

 

November 13, 2019

JOANNE MCCOY
Lessons from the Camino de Santiago

 

 

 

January 15, 2020

HOWARD BURNS
Jazz Musician

 

 

February 19, 2020

RYAN MORSE
Owner of Crucible Performance. Watch Ryan's speech here!

 

 

March 18, 2020

JAMES HATCH
FCC Cybersecurity & Computer Science Program Manager

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to attend Moving Mountains?
No. The series is free and open to the public.

Is there an age limit?
While a majority of the students who attend are in middle or high school, students in elementary school and college have also enjoyed the series.  Attendees of all ages glean something of value from each presenter.

Can I attend along with my son or daughter?
Yes. Most parents do and we strongly encourage you to as it makes for a healthy discussion afterward.

Does the theater ever fill to capacity?
The theater seats about 410, and the most we’ve had for any Moving Mountains speaker was about 300.

Why earn a certificate?
The Certificate of Leadership and Participation is awarded to students who attend three of the six sessions in one academic year. High school students may choose to list the certificate when they apply for induction into the National Honor Society, include it with their college or job application, add it to their resume, or for other designations.

Are programs “family friendly?”
Yes. We distribute speaker guidelines to presenters to remind them that these are family-friendly events. Some topics, however, may include sensitive material for young children. Parents are in the best position to determine which sessions are most appropriate for their teens and family.
 

What people are saying

“The Moving Mountain series is an excellent way to bring people within the community together to mentor teens.  As you know, everyone has a story to tell.”
Brian M.
 
“Thank you for having this series. We just started going this year and enjoy them very much. I’m sure we will be going to more in the future.”
Dawn H.

 

Special Accommodations

Frederick Community College makes every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities for College-sponsored events and programs. If you have accommodation needs, please call 301.846.2408. To request a sign language interpreter, please call 240.629.7819 or 301.846.2408 (Voice) or email interpreting. Sign language interpreters will not be automatically provided for College-sponsored events without a request for services. To guarantee accommodations, requests must be made at least five workdays in advance of a scheduled event.

 

Questions?

For more information, questions, feedback, or speaker suggestions, contact Mike Pritchard, Director of Special Projects, at 301.846.2417.

 

Previous speakers:

2018-2019
Conrad Weaver, Filmmaker
Eliane Coates, Appalachian Trail Finisher
Charles and Sharon Riser, The TEMPLE: A Paul Mitchell Partner School Owners
Darline Gilson and Briana Thezard, Founders of Vision 1804
James Hatch, Cybersecurity and Technology Professor
Charlie Smith, State’s Attorney for Frederick County
 
2017-2018
Eric Kruszewski, National Geographic Creative photographer and workshop leader
Tammy Feaster, owner/VP of administration, Spherion Staffing
David Trader, scientist, US Army Center for Environmental Health Research Lab 
Korey Shorb, founder, Up & Out Foundation
LTC Brian Moore, scientist, USAMRIID
Noah Grove, Paralympian, gold-medalist with 2017-18 U.S. Hockey National Sled Team
 
2016-2017
Eric Kruszewski, National Geographic Creative Photographer and workshop leader
Danny Farrar, veteran and SOLDIERFIT creator
Kristine Yaroschuk, helicopter pilot with MSP
Jason Lee, business owner and community leader
Amelia Draper, NBC4-Washington Meteorologist
Mia Russell, financial expert and educator
Maurice Arenas, studio musician and performer
 
2015-2016
Tony Checchia, business owner, real estate professional, community advocate
Charlie Smith, Frederick County state’s attorney;
Julie Gaver, professional speaker
Bob Viti, former coach, educator, triathlete, cancer survivor
Matthew Lesko, entrepreneur, TV personality