Michael, a former touring musician and pro wrestler, created Western States College in Idaho for impoverished kids and kids on probation. The school teaches them how to make films and music. Several of his kids have already gone on to bigger things since attending the school.

The programs at the college were created by Michael, who continues to bring in his friends from the entertainment business to teach the kids. Students have the benefit of learning from real, award-winning artists. Michael believes that “hands-on” is the only way to teach or learn. The students get to use all the best technologies and make their own films. Michael is always willing to help those who have nothing but a dream. He has paid for kids out of his own pocket when they had no way of coming up with the money on their own. In addition, he has done concerts for the kids to help them pay for classes and workshops.

Students of Michael’s learn to become great kids in the community. These are kids that society had turned its back on – but Michael does not give up on them. He continues to strive to help them build better lives. He puts in 80-100 hours a week to make sure the kids receive personal attention and care – and it works. Michael fixes broken kids.

Michael is an inspiration to us all and shows that there are truly giving people left on this planet. His belief is that “you can’t take it with you, so give it away!” In fact, at the end of the courses he makes the kids swear an oath to give their knowledge to others. He has been recognized by the Governor’s office and has been in the news for his work with these students. The kids absolutely love him; he has a way of connecting with them that is very childlike and spiritual. Michael is teaching them to be givers, not takers, and to leave the world better than they found it.

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