Yesterday, our Silver Creek Area CEO students experienced a moment they’ll never forget.

From the very first pictures and videos Kory Best shared of his daughter Maddie, the room was silent. Some images were hard to see, yet every student watched closely, hearts open, feeling the weight and the love in her story.

Kory, founder of the Maddie Best Foundation, husband, father, and mentor, has turned unimaginable loss into lasting purpose.

Before our day even began, Kory set the tone in a simple but meaningful way. He encouraged our class to dress comfortably casual. And in response, many of our students chose to wear pink, Maddie’s favorite color. It was a quiet, thoughtful show of support. A small gesture that meant so much.

And yes, he even brought doughnuts. A simple act of kindness that immediately made everyone smile.

He also made sure every student left with something to remember the day: wristbands, stickers, and a commemorative coin. Small items with a big message, reminders to carry Maddie’s legacy and the foundation’s mission with them wherever they go.

Then Kory shared the story of his daughter, Maddie.

A young woman who loved being involved at OTHS. Student council, homecoming, pep rallies, tennis. A girl who chose to participate, to connect, and to show up. Someone who didn’t just watch life happen, but jumped in and lived it.

Through her life and her legacy, Kory reminded our students of something powerful: participation matters. In life, in leadership, and in business.

After losing Maddie in a tragic car accident in 2023, Kory and his family made the choice to honor her life by creating the Maddie Best Foundation and carrying forward the mantra “Live life like Maddie. Make every day count.”

He shared the heart behind the foundation’s mission, to create a lasting impact on teenagers by supporting their lifelong well-being and success. That mission comes to life through academic support and intervention, driver safety training, and access to mental health services. Not as programs on paper, but as real help for real kids in real moments.

For our CEO students, this tied directly to what we explore in the program every day. They saw firsthand how identifying a need, listening to your community, building partnerships, and creating sustainable systems can turn an idea into something that truly changes lives. Heart, strategy, mission, and management, all rolled into one.

Kory reminded our students throughout the day to live life like Maddie—to show up fully, embrace opportunities, and make the most of every moment. That lesson connected directly to leadership and entrepreneurship: showing up, participating, and leading with purpose are what make ideas become reality.

But Kory didn’t just talk about purpose. He talked about the process.

He shared how the foundation was built the same way strong businesses are built: one relationship at a time, one conversation at a time, one “What can you do?” at a time. No shortcuts, no overnight success, just consistency, faith, and a lot of heart.

As he spoke, the room continued to change.

Our students asked thoughtful questions. Many wiped away tears. Some cried openly. You could feel how deeply this story was touching them.

This wasn’t just information.
It was connection.
It was perspective.
It was real.

This was CEO in action.
Real learning.
Real leadership.
Leadership with purpose.

Kory also spoke honestly about the work behind the scenes, running the foundation after long days at his full-time job, reinvesting every dollar, building systems that last, and staying committed even when it is hard.

That lesson landed.

Success is rarely about doing it alone.
It’s about surrounding yourself with the right people.
It’s about humility.
It’s about collaboration.
It’s about showing up when no one is watching.

Most of all, Kory showed our CEO students that legacy isn’t about titles or profits. It’s about impact. It’s about people. It’s about choosing every single day to live with intention.

Live life like Maddie. Make every day count.

This experience reminded our CEO students that leadership isn’t just about ideas or plans. It’s about listening, connecting, and taking action that truly makes a difference. Make every day count in everything they do.

Those words stayed with us.

Kory, thank you for trusting us with your story, your heart, and your hard-earned wisdom. Thank you for being real, honest, and vulnerable with our students. Thank you for showing them what leadership with compassion truly looks like.

Maddie’s light continues to shine through every life this foundation touches. And yesterday, it shined brightly in our classroom. 💗