Chicago Heights School District 170 recently welcomed Daniel "Rudy" Ruetteger to address teachers and staff at the district's start-of-the-year institute.
Ruettiger, celebrated as the eponymous hero of the iconic sports film, "Rudy," enthralled the district staff with his message of inspiration and the importance of instilling in students the qualities of character and selflessness.
"Teaching children that character is more important than grades; that learning to work together, to help each other, to love one another, that should be the most important goal of great educators," Ruettiger said.
"Continue to be an inspiration to your students," he urged his audience, "and always reinforce the idea that everything starts with a dream and it's always too soon to quit."
Ruettiger currently serves as one of the most popular motivational speakers in the country. His enthusiasm for helping others achieve their dreams, coupled with his renown as the focus of the classic sports film make him a popular speaker and guest at meetings for corporations, businesses, colleges and universities, and school districts throughout the United States.
"Rudy" will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of its cinematic release with showings of the film at theaters across the country on August 28th and September 2nd of this year. The film, selected by various film entities as one of the most inspirational films and best sports movies of all time, will be shown locally at the Marcus Chicago Heights Cinema, the Marcus Country Club Hills Cinema, and the AMC Showplace 16 in Schererville.