Motivational speaker talks resiliency with Lakewood Ranch Prep students

Lakewood Ranch's Anthony Razzano compared Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy middle school students to America's "greatest generation."

The "greatest generation" refers to people born between 1901 and 1924 who faced considerable challenges. They grew up through a pandemic, the Spanish flu, and tough economic times, the Great Depression. They grew up during World War I and fought in World War II.

Razzano, a motivational speaker, author of "Against All Odds" and Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy parent, said children today have been through the COVID-19 pandemic and rough economic times, along with having to deal with cyberbullying, school threats and natural disasters.

Two Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy students were arrested Sept. 18 for making written threats about a school shooting. 

Hurricane Helene then hit the area Sept. 26, followed by Hurricane Milton on Oct. 9. 

"In adversity, we become stronger, and we call on that at other times in our lives," he said. "It's preparing us for a future unknown."

As a guest speaker at Lakewood Ranch Prep middle school Oct. 15, Razzano encouraged students to overcome adversity with positivity. 

"Diamonds are created in pressure, and we have a bunch of diamonds here today," Razzano said to the students.

Razzano talked about persevering through his own adversities. 

At 12 years old living in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Razzano said he ran into a group of 14-to-16-year-olds huffing (inhaling) gasoline fumes. He said although he knew it was a bad idea, he tried huffing gasoline when the older teens told him he should. 

Razzano said he and his friend wanted to recreate the feeling at his house. While laying down next to the lawn mower, his friend flipped a match at him, and he caught on fire. He was burned all across his body. 

He was sent to the burn unit in Pittsburgh, and his family was told he wasn't going to make it. Doctors had to amputate all the fingers on his left hand. With faith and prayer, Razzano beat the odds and survived. 

After 134 blood transfusions, 43 surgeries and months of recovery, Razzano returned to school, but his reality was different. He said his popularity diminished as he was now the student with a disability. 

He said he was bullied and seen as different. Even so, he became the starting linebacker for the New Castle High Red Hurricanes. 

Razzano went on to earn a bachelors degree and masters degree. He became a CPA, a motivational speaker, a licensed sports agent and an NFL contract advisor.

He told the students that they likely are going to need courage, perseverance, grit and endurance to overcome their own challenges.

"Your generation, like the 'greatest generation,' is going to change the world and save the world so that we have freedom, hope and dreams," Razzano said to the students. 

The eighth graders in attendance, such as Sophia Schulz, said Razzano's talk was inspirational. 

"This was kind of what we needed at this time," Schulz said. "I know a lot of parents, teachers and adults say we're the worst generation because of our phones and everything else, so I think it was nice to hear for a change that we are the best generation."