"I am very proud of you Stacey Bess. Your efforts as a writer have now been recognized and acknowledged but even more than that your efforts as a teacher have been recognized and the example you have demonstrated to the world on what comes from a teacher who cares, who places her charges before her own welfare, whose dedication is to a higher purpose, who found that true happiness comes from service and love for another, is beyond being the thing to do, it is righteous in its calling. I have received more phone calls and emails than I can remember since Schindler’s List. And every review I've read has been positive. Congratulations." -Gerald Molen, Executive Producer, Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park
"Stacey was wonderful! We have been receiving very positive feedback regarding Stacey’s presentation. I would not be surprised if she is not invited back to the Northern Virginia area to speak at other events in the future." -Inova Health System
"I would personally like to thank you for coming to speak at my school last night. I was truly inspired by your story after recently viewing your movie Beyond the Blackboard and getting to hear you firsthand was a testament that no matter the circumstances one starts out with, there is always a bright light to be illuminated if one is dedicated and passionate enough to make the best out of their situation. I will definitely use your experience as motivation when I have a classroom of my own to let my students know that I have compassion and care for each and every one of them, no matter what background they may come from." -Student, St. John’s University