Bruning-Davenport Schools
Chris will speak to the middle school and high school students of Bruning-Davenport with a new student version of his signature keynote: You Are Capable of More: Become the Best Version of Yourself.
Two towns, one Storm.
Bruning-Davenport Unified School District brings together two southeast Nebraska communities in Thayer County. The Bruning and Davenport districts unified on June 1, 2000, and today the district serves students from preschool through 12th grade across two sites seventeen miles apart, with the middle school in Davenport and the high school in Bruning. It is a small, close-knit district, and the students are proud to be the Storm.
Chris was invited by Lori Balke, who teaches Family and Consumer Sciences for the district, as part of the school’s focus on character. He will give two assemblies on the same day, one for the middle school students in grades 5 through 8 and one for the high school students in grades 9 through 12, and every student and faculty member will go home with a copy of You Are Capable of More.
You Are Capable of More
Become the best version of yourself, built for students.
Most students already sense there is more in them than they are showing, whether that is in the classroom, on the court, or in the way they treat the people around them. What gets in the way is usually the same for a twelve-year-old as it is for an adult: doubting yourself, worrying about what others think, and waiting until you feel ready before you try.
This is a new version of Chris’s signature keynote, rebuilt for middle school and high school students. Through honest personal stories and moments students will recognize from their own days, Chris talks about building confidence, taking ownership of your choices, and how becoming your best self includes how you treat the people around you. Every student leaves with a copy of the book and simple steps they can take that same day.
Built on his signature keynote. See the full program.
What students take home.
A way to talk back to the voice that says you are not good enough yet.
Why owning your choices, good and bad, is where real confidence starts.
How the way you treat others is part of becoming your best self.
One small step to take that same day, and a book to keep going.
Two schools, one day.
One assembly for the middle school in Davenport (grades 5 to 8) and one for the high school in Bruning (grades 9 to 12). Times are approximate.
Feedback from the rooms he speaks in.
Chris would be an incredible addition to any live audience. Each time he finds a unique way to connect with his audience on both a personal and professional level keeping everyone engaged and attentive. He speaks about his journey through life, how he got into leadership, how he motivates others, and what it takes to be successful in today’s corporate world.
I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing Chris Sund’s speaking engagements firsthand — and they are truly powerful. His engaging style draws the audience into the conversation, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that encourages learning and reflection. You leave not only inspired but equipped with practical leadership insights you’re eager to implement.
Chris was an outstanding speaker and a highlight of our 2025 Patient Experience Recognition Dinner. From start to finish, he exceeded our expectations. He took the time to deeply understand our organization, our culture, and our specific goals, and he thoughtfully personalized his presentation to meet our needs.
You Are Capable of More.
You Are Capable of More is the award-winning, bestselling book the assembly comes from, a no-excuses guide to becoming your best self.
Every Bruning-Davenport student and faculty member receives a copy, so the conversation can keep going in classrooms and at home long after the assembly ends.
Winner of 5 Book AwardsLiterary Titan, Paris, Firebird, BookFest & PenCraft
Bring This to Your EventBook Chris for your event.
Chris speaks to students, schools, businesses and community audiences on confidence, leadership and becoming your best self. Check availability and receive a customized proposal.