Motivational Speaker Gives Rousing Kickoff to Respect Week in Hopatcong

A big part of respecting others is learning to respect yourself. That's one of the messages imparted by former professional indoor football league player and motivational speaker Duane West (often called "D. West"), who is known for his work with troubled teens on programs such as the nationally syndicated "Maury Povich Show."

West was the keynote speaker who launched Respect Week activities for Hopatcong Borough Schools Oct. 3 with a special assembly for fourth and fifth graders at Durban Avenue School. The theme of the energetic address was "Bound for Greatness." 

Principal Lewis Benfatti Jr. said the assembly and other Respect Week offerings were part of a statewide initiative to promote anti-bullying messages. The state is in its third year of promoting character education focused on teaching tolerance in line with regulations in place to reduce harassment, intimidation and bullying in schools.