Charlie has delivered hundreds of motivational programs at school locations throughout America over the past twenty years. Schools trust Charlie for his experience, heart for staff and students, and understanding of their specific event needs.
Charlie Adams has been "stoking the fire within" teachers, staff and students for over 20 years. The "Stoke" motivational messages are tailored specifically for school settings. He has delivered dozens of Opening Day messages to Teachers and Staff as well as Retreats and Conferences during the year (such as a January 2012 presentation to all staff and teachers of the Buchanan, Michigan schools at their day long meeting).
Charlie has a degree in Education from the University of Mississippi. As a television news journalist, Charlie reported from school locations over 1500 times. He has children in College, High School and Elementary School that have been impacted in so many positive ways by educators.
In his presentation, Charlie shares the powerful story of his grandfather, Everett Adams, Sr., who was a Supt., Principal or Teacher for over 40 years, and the story of his mother, the late Dr. Anne H. Adams, who revolutionized how teachers teach reading. He tells how teachers inspired him to be a television anchor and professional speaker. Charlie uses video clips of educators who have gone beyond the call of duty. He shares humor, engages the audience, and leaves them reignited to help make a difference in the lives of the young people in their schools.
Terry Ann Boguth, Superintendent
Coloma (MI) Community Schools
This very popular keynote is perfect for Back to School staff events in August as well as throughout the school year. Using a blend of passion and humor, Charlie drives home just how incredibly important educators are in society! Staff comes away from this program invigorated and ready for the excitement of the school year ahead!
“There were a lot of things that inspired me in Charlie's program, but one story inspired me to "take it to the next level." It was when he talked about the statue in Philadelphia and the cameraman that wouldn't settle for being mediocre. It gave me goose bumps. I want to take it to the next level this year as a teacher!!!”

Charlie Adams delivers the opening and closing keynotes at the Alabama
Students Against Destructive Decisions Conference in Birmingham, AL

Charlie Adams delivers Stoke the Fire Within to Kalamazoo, MI students
before Testing
Charlie has delivered the Stoke the Fire Within message in hundreds of schools over the years, helping to inspire young people to find their fire - their passion - in life!
The Stoke message has been utilized at SADD Conferences, pre Prom events, pre Testing rallies and other events. Charlie shares stories the young people can relate to, he engages them by interviewing them on his "Talk Show Desk" up on stage, and leaves them feeling as if they do matter, that they are important, and they can do it!
"It was great having you join us for our Kick-Off event...your message was right on target and very appropriate for our students, especially at the beginning of the school year. Students need to hear about the importance goal-setting and pursuing their dreams; you did an excellent job of reinforcing this message with great stories and examples! You did a great job. We look forward to having you again in the future."
Jim Holifield New Prairie Middle School
"I asked Charlie Adams to make a presentation on "Being your Best" to high school juniors and seniors in our county in Michigan. The students thoroughly enjoyed his mode of presentation. Charlie spent extra time sitting and talking to staff and students after his presentation. You don't often see this with "paid" presenters. He really cares about the people he performs for and is passionate about his message."
Joetta Cherry, St. Joseph County (MI) Intermediate School District
"Charlie Adams was a great speaker for our juniors during Michigan testing week. His inspirational stories of people persevering and succeeding in life despite the odds really was encouraging to our students who felt overwhelmed with the high-stress testing situation they were experiencing in the morning hours. The students were thankful to have the opportunity to hear Charlie speak." Lisa Emenaker, Edwardsburg High School teacher
"Charlie was invited by our SADD Chapter to give an all-school presentation at our Pre Prom Assembly. His personal experiences and humor played a key role in connecting with the students. His message was sincere and our students listened...make positive choices and appreciate the people in your life. Well done, Charlie!" Linda Janick, Thomas More High School, SADD Advisor/Wisconsin
"Charlie's message on Choices hit home with many of our students and their personal lives. Rarely do our students approach a speaker after assemblies but there were half a dozen standing around to talk with Charlie. In a high school assembly, that's a huge number! You have a great message to bring into the schools and the way you incorporated people with difficulties is awesome!" Rebecca Moppin, Pleasant Hope HS, Missouri