Updated July 17, 2008
Rachel Barker – Motivational Speaker
“One Person Can Make a Difference.”
Rachel spoke to the Students of Eagle Ranch Academy, and her message was simple and direct, and very inspiring. We appreciate Rachel giving her time to offer inspiration and hope to our Students. She told us about her Father and how he has made a difference in many lives, and “How One Person Can Make a Difference.”
Dave Arslanian – Co-Founder of Eagle Ranch Ranch Academy says this:
Rachel’s father, Jan Smith was the Head Football Coach at Morgan HS when we
first became acquainted. I was the Head Football Coach at Snow College, and he was the same at Morgan High School. We became lifelong friends.
Jan had played college football at BYU, started his coaching career as the Head Football Coach at Morgan HS, and that first summer on the job he was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Despite his incurable disease, he went on to become known as one of the best in the State of Utah, winning several State Championships.
NFL Films did a special documentary of him later in his career. The first time ever they featured a High School Coach in one of their films.
He was selected as the MS Man of the Year, and was honored by President Reagan.
My wife and I became involved with the Utah MS Society because of our friendship with Jan and his wife Diane.
We helped start one of the biggest MS Fund Raisers in Utah, called “The Best Dam Bike Ride.” Today people come from all over the world to ride in this event.
Jan Smith decided that one person could make a difference. One of his success stories is a fellow named Dan Clark (see ERA website). He helped launch Dan into his Public Speaking Career. Because of Jan, Dan now provides motivational/inspirational speeches to the best of the best…see his website for pictures of people he has touched. www.danclarkspeak.com – He has inspired the likes of Ali, Jordan, Gretzky, Jan Leno, Larry King, Collin Powell, Dick Clark, Dionne Warrick, John McCain, etc, etc…
Recently Dan spoke to one of the most important groups he has ever spoken to - The Students of Eagle Ranch Academy. We are honored he will donate his time regularly to our Students.
Jan’s daughter, Rachel Barker has committed herself to not letting her Father’s Story fade. She now gives motivational/inspirational speeches to High School Students around the West. Her topic, “One Person Can Make a Difference,” and she will also be a regular guest at Eagle Ranch.
I could go on and on about The Difference Jan Smith has made in the lives of many.
He is deceased, and I miss him, but his legacy lives on. “One Person Can Make a Difference.”