Aaron Davis urges others to focus on family and live life to the fullest

Kimball has not invited a speaker to the school in three years, until last Wednesday, Feb. 21, when Aaron Davis, who prefers to be called a thought provoker instead of a motivational speaker, spoke in the Harry E. McNees Auditorium.

Davis, part of the 1994 National Championship Nebraska football team encouraged those in attendance to truly listen with engaging and humorous stories.

"Even if we think we got all the answers, we have to slow down and listen," Davis said. "Listening doesn't cost you a dime, failing to listen can cost you a fortune."

He reminded the community to understand why you do the things you do. What drives you to improve your work; improve your school; improve your home and improve your community.

His wife and children drive him to continue improving every aspect of his life.

"What is your why?" he asked. "What does your town say about you? Why do you want it to be the best? When someone drives through, what do they see, feel and experience?"

In his travels across the state, Davis said he sees small towns dying, and what he hears most often is, "This is how we have always done it."

He advised, if the way it's always been done no longer works, change things!

He referenced companies such as Blockbuster and Kodak that no longer exist, because they did not change with the ever-growing demands of consumers.

Quoting Eric Hoffer, Davis said, "There are two types of people, two types of companies and two types of communities – the learners and the knowers. The learners will inherit the earth, while the knowers will be beautifully equipped to function in a world that no longer exists."

"Will Kimball be a town that continues to learn?" he asked. "Or will it be like so many I have seen across the state?"

While encouraging others to get involved, engaged and make changes, Davis congratulates Kimball High School teacher Jeri Ferguson and her senior civics students on a job well done volunteering in the community.

In closing, Davis reminded students, parents, educators and citizens that life is short, and time is best served by taking care of one another, focusing on family and living life well.