AY Young Encourages Traverse Academy and Compass Students to Turn Passion Into Action

Students at Traverse Academy and Compass recently gathered for a milestone moment, the school’s first-ever assembly featuring musician, entrepreneur, and global sustainability advocate AY Young. He brought energy and inspiration to the gym through a dynamic performance that blended music, storytelling, and audience participation. Throughout the assembly, he encouraged students to think about their passions and how they can use them to make a positive difference in the world. His central messages were clear, when people connect their talents and interests with action, they can help change the world.

During the program, Young asked students to reflect on their own goals and what they might “plug into” to make an impact. He also shared a broader global perspective, explaining that there are still places in the world without reliable electricity or access to clean running water. The conversation helped students consider how innovation, creativity, and compassion can address real challenges facing communities around the globe. Last year, Young performed 230 shows sharing his message.

"AY Young has a powerful ability to connect with young people and remind them that they have the ability to shape the world around them," Traverse Academy Principal Kim Avalos said. "His message challenges students to think differently about influence; that success isn’t measured by the number of followers you have, but by the impact you choose to make. By connecting his work to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, he encourages students to be and follow people who stand for something and to take action themselves in building a better world. We are grateful for the time he and his team took to share their talents, time, personal connection, and message with our students.”

Students eagerly participated throughout the assembly, joining Young in a call-and-response chant of “Outlet!... Plugged In!” a fun and memorable reminder that everyone has the power to connect their passion with purpose.

"We are so thankful our students spent time with AY today," Compass Principal Bruce Jones added. "His message about using your passion to take action truly resonated with our students. He inspired them to see that their ideas, talents, and goals can make a real difference in the world.”

The performance ended on an uplifting note as Young shared a message of unity with the crowd “Together, we are one!” After the assembly, he stayed to sign autographs and speak with students, giving many the opportunity to meet him personally and continue the conversation about using their talents to make a difference.