
A serious message in a super hero package.
Every child and adult has a hero inside. It may be hidden by fear and insecurity, but we have the power to release our inner hero. Poor self-esteem and fear may also allow us to stand by as negative actions take place. A Zero, a.k.a. bully, uses an arsenal of tools to tease, taunt, and torture the differences and weaknesses of others. Put simply, “Zeroes Hurt.” But there is a solution. “Heroes Help!” Helping is asking an adult to assist. This assembly message is designed to build self-confidence and encourage children to ask for help if they or someone else is being bullied.
“Heroes Help Zeroes Hurt” is a 40-minute powerful and motivating assembly that holds attention and builds retention of positive messages.
A personal message from Barry
I take the subject of bullying seriously. Over the years I’ve written hours of educational content in the form of books, stories, and motivational speaking programs. But none of these subjects is as relevant and important to me as the anti-bullying message. I believe in this message and I know it will educate and motivate your students. You may ask, “Why?” Because I was one of the victims of a Zero and I was able to find the strength to release my inner Hero. I am on a mission to share my message with as many students as possibly so they can release their inner hero too!

Your students will be encouraged towards stronger reading habits and positive character traits while on an interactive adventure with Mr. Barry and Sam the Slow Poke Turtle. Storytelling, audience participation, magic tricks and puppetry are woven together into a hilarious assembly program that is age appropriate for pre-K through 6th grades. Mr. Barry leads the expedition, but you’ll be the hero when you bring in this great program.
This new program is a mixture of reading motivation and character education. Librarians love the emphasis on books, and counselors are thrilled at the character traits incorporated.

R U E to laugh? R U E to see magic? R U E to RRR? Get Red-E because Mr. Barry is ready to bring his RRR show to your school. Your students will learn a variety of ways to reduce the amount of garbage we create, reuse many of the items we usually throw away, and recycle our trash into new treasures. All the examples are taught through; magic, storytelling, visual examples, and a special appearance by Sam the Trash Talking Turtle. (Sam’s a puppet but he doesn’t want to admit it.)
All the fun is pieced together like a reused patchwork quilt into a hilarious assembly program that is age appropriate for pre-K through 6th grades.
"Thank You for a great show. After the show several Mothers and children told me they really enjoyed you. I had one little boy that had never been to any of the summer reading programs before tell me that he really liked the show and he planned to come to the next program. He usually goes to the movies on Wednesdays because there is a discount at the movies on Wednesday. Thank you for selling him on the summer reading program. I really liked the way you added books to your show and had the children act them out. I will tell other libraries about your program."
Tammie Edwards
"It was my pleasure to have you again at the library. You do a great job of teaching facts about history in a way that it is fun to learn. I learned something myself. Thank you again."
Judy Williams
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"Complete package!!! Barry had everyone laughing! One of the best Upward Programs we have had not just entertaining but what a wonderful gospel message. God used Barry to see God work in the lives of several children as well as adults."
Theresa Dockery
Director of Children's Ministry
West Park Baptist Church, Knoxville, TN
"Our church is in her 7th year of Upward Basketball and Barry was the best speaker we have ever had. He was hysterically funny, yet passionately serious when it came time to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. The kids (and their parents) were spellbound and I have received nothing but praise for Barry and the entire program. In addition to his stage presence, I appreciated the fact that Barry is extremely humble and approachable. He spent plenty of time with the kids after the program concluded. He is no "prima donna"! I affirm his ministry wholeheartedly"
Greg Bowers, Pastor
First Baptist Church
Blytheville, AR
"In all the Upward programs we have had Barry Mitchell was the best. His ability to connect with children and adults alike was evident throughout his program."
Price Cooper
Central Baptist Church
Knoxville, TN
"Thanks for making our Upward Award's Night truly special. You were a hit from beginning to end. In both your magic and the skillful and sensitive way that you presented the Gospel, the audience was enthralled. You are on the short list of speakers that we will call back!"
Jerry Bimber
Lombard, IL
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"We are thrilled with the tremendous turnout last Sunday. Your show was just what we needed."
Keith M. Stewart
First Baptist Church
Thomasville, GA
"It was a great night!!! My 6 year old son was still talking about you this morning. Thanks for your heart, and ability to hook the kids with great entertainment, and then present the Gospel. In this day and age, for you to have the ability to keep and hold a child's attention is truly a gift from God."
Pastor Brent
Pathways Church
Sevierville, TN
"Thank You Barry. You did a great job and the kids really seemed to enjoy it. The adults did too. It was a great way to kickoff our VBS. I liked how you had some fun facts about Australia and how you included Christian values in your show. Thanks again."
Laura Miller
Inskip Baptist Church
Knoxville, TN
"Thank you for entertaining our VBS children and for so clearly presenting the gospel to them. The children enjoyed it very much!"
Sarah Arrambide
First Baptist Church
Midland, TX
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"Barry Mitchell is professional in every way. The children and parents had a delightful time. He is colorful, innovative, and witty. The audience embraced his from the start of his show. We had Barry in our Sunday School gathering. He tied the theme of what we had studied for the previous few weeks into the performance and gave us so much more. Our middle and high school students came in to see what the fun was all about and they never left. His tricks and talks are clean and spiritual. He can design his regular shows into whatever you need. We hope to have him back again next year. You will not be disappointed!"
Becky Overcash
Forest Hill United Methodist
Concord, NC
"Barry Mitchell was an entertainment delight-there were lots of laughs (and not only from the children). Barry's way of sharing the Gospel message through storytelling was highly effective."
Mary Calhoun
Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church
Midway, KY
"Barry's ability to connect with an audience of all ages is phenomenal. Our kids were in such wonder as he shared his talents with us. The way he engages the kids, then presents his positive message is effective. I would highly recommend his show!"
Holly Roe
Kodak United Methodist Church
Kodak, TN
"Barry did a great job of involving the children in his program and I watched the smiles on their parents' faces while their child was on stage & in the spotlight."
Allison Kelly
Spring Valley Baptist
Columbia, SC