Student and Youth Testimonials

I Know The "Big O"

When Keith first stepped out onto his “stage” and stood before the group of high schoolers, he had everyone in the room laughing within the first two minutes he was there. He gained the attention of these kids by just naturally being himself.  Not just anyone can achieve this task of getting up in front of students and trying to present a message that will help reach out to those who are dying for answers. I know we can all relate to being that 15 year old. At that age we are old enough to know what we want out of life but not old enough to know how to get there. Sometimes all we need is someone to come into our lives and show us the way and guide us in the right direction.

That is where Keith comes in. He’s humble enough to share his past failures with the world so that we can make better choices with our own lives. There are two ways of learning in this life: One is from having a mentor such as Keith and the other is by going out and learning things the hard way. Not everyone gets the opportunity to meet someone that can help give direction in this difficult journey we call life. It takes a real person to come along and step out of their comfort zone just to ensure that another life isn’t swept away by the world. Keith speaks purely from experience and his past life circumstances. He not only knows what it’s like to deal with the issues that kids deal with everyday but he knows how to rise above each challenge. He made the choice in his own life to pick himself up off the ground and to reach for the stars. He wasn’t satisfied with just being another statistic but he made the decision to turn all the negatives into positives. I only wish that there were more Keith’s in the world because I truly believe that we, as adults, wouldn’t have to settle with the luke warm lives that we often create for ourselves. Congratulations go out to Keith on another job well done. We love you buddy!

Kristy Suffel

I first met "The Big O" as a teenager when he came to my school.  It is amazing that he continues to reach teens today just as he reached me 15 years ago.  Keith O'Neal was born to entertain and educate America's young people.  From his years of working with the inner city drop outs and the kids of wealthy families, Keith has learned the value of "...telling it like it is..." and talking straight with teachers, parents, students, and community leaders.

Keith has a special gift that connects him with students of all ages and brings them together, whether he is talking about problems, using his humor to make a point about a critical issue or electrifying the audience with his powerful trumpet renditions.

- Allison Lindsey

Other Student Testimonies:

Thanks for coming to our school. You did a program in the auditorium and you also came to the band room. I would like to know how you lost all that weight. I am 200 lbs and I really want to lose weight.  Thank you for encouraging me to be healthy and loise weight. S.H.

I really enjoyed your performance at my high school today. You're an amazing trumpet player. I play the  guitar and have had to deal with my sister thinking that I can't do it, but I don't give up. I think,"If it brings me joy, I'm not going to quit." A.W.

I just wanted to say thank you from myself, and my fellow students for visiting our school.  You were awesome!  S.H.

Thank you Big O for coming to my school.  You said some great things that really made sense to me and helped me alot.  I loved the funny things you said and you are awesome on the trumpet!  I am a Junior so I hope are are able to return again before I graduate.  Take care Big O. J.T.