Cotter kicked off the 2015-16 school year with a motivational presentation by Alex Sheen, TedTalk contributor and founder of Because I Said I Would, a non-profit organization providing social work and community outreach.

On Thursday, August 26th, 28 year-old Alex Sheen met with grades 7-12 in the St. Cecilia Theater to present his story on inner strength, faith in humanity, and the power of a promise.

Sheen founded his social movement online in 2012 after being inspired by his father, who had just passed away after a decade long battle with cancer.

“(Alex Sheen) was both motivational and inspiring (through) his telling of the stories that changed him personally”, Cotter senior Jeremy Streitz said , “It was clear he wanted to make a difference in the world”.

Sheen explained the origins of his organization, beginning as a single Facebook post and developing over three years into a full time career for himself and others dedicated to fundraising and direct service, as well as distribution of Sheen’s “promise cards” to motivate others to take each and every promise seriously.

The presentation, which lasted little more than an hour, is sure to stick with the Cotter community for much longer. junior Cade Hansen said of Sheen, “(He) inspired me to go out and value my promises… because I said I would.”