Penn Manor welcomed a nationally recognized motivational speaker to the high school on February 14 to encourage student athletes to take ownership of their lives and not let circumstances define them.

Brittany Wagner, an academic counselor best known for her role in the Netflix documentary series “Last Chance U,” spoke to students at an assembly in the high school auditorium, met with small groups of student athletes and participated in a roundtable discussion with Penn Manor coaches.

Her message was that our mistakes do not define us, not all opportunities are the same, and that we are all products of our experiences – good and bad.

Wagner talked about her role as the academic advisor at tiny East Mississippi Community College, where former Division I student athletes were trying to bounce back up the college ranks. “Last Chance U” chronicled their experiences.

Penn Manor athletic director Pat Tocci said Wagner’s visit was designed to motivate students to excel in academics and athletics while taking advantage of the opportunities around them.