Speaker on Transition to High School

Transition to High School Speaker for 8th Graders & Incoming Freshmen

Moving from middle school to high school is one of the biggest transitions in a student’s life. Many 8th graders feel excited—but also anxious, overwhelmed, and unsure what to expect. This dynamic transition to High School presentation is here to help!

About the “Transition to High School” Presentation

Robert’s Transition to High School presentation is designed specifically for 8th graders and incoming 9th graders. It can be delivered as:

A whole-school or grade-level assembly
A program for incoming freshmen during orientation
A combined student + parent program (evening event)
An in-person or virtual presentation

This program blends education + entertainment so students don’t just “sit and listen”—they participate, laugh, think, and leave with a clear plan for success.

As seen/heard on:

Meet Robert Hackenson Jr.: The “Edutainer” Students Actually Listen to

Robert Hackenson Jr. is a nationally recognized “edutainer” who delivers an interactive Transition to High School presentation that helps students feel prepared, confident, and motivated for this next chapter. Using magic, humor, illusions, and real-life stories, he keeps students fully engaged while teaching them practical skills to succeed socially, emotionally, and academically in high school.

If you’re looking for a transition to high school speaker who actually holds students’ attention, you’re in the right place.

Core Themes Students Learn

During this transition-to-high-school assembly, students learn:

1. What Really Changes in High School (and What Doesn’t)

Understanding new expectations and routines
How high school grades and behavior can impact future options
Why mindset and effort matter more than perfection

2. Building Strong Academic Habits from Day One

Simple strategies for staying organized (planners, folders, digital tools)
How to manage homework, projects, and deadlines
The power of “starting small” and building routines
How and when to ask teachers and counselors for help

3. Healthy Friendships & Social Pressures

Choosing friends who lift you up instead of pulling you down
Handling peer pressure around substances, social media, and behavior
Respect, kindness, and empathy in a bigger school environment
What to do when old friendships change or drift apart

4. Social Media, Reputation & Real-World Consequences

How online posts can follow you into high school (and beyond)
Balancing social media with school, sports, and sleep
Protecting your reputation and mental health online

5. Getting Involved & Finding Your Place

Why joining clubs, activities, and teams matters
How involvement builds confidence, friendships, and leadership skills
Trying new things—even when you’re nervous

6. Stress, Anxiety & Self-Care

Why it’s normal to feel nervous about high school
Practical tools to manage stress and overwhelm
When and how to reach out to trusted adults for support
Healthy habits (sleep, screen time, movement) that make everything easier

Students walk away with clear action steps they can start using right away—not just “motivational quotes.”

Why a Transition to High School Program Matters

High school brings big changes:

New school buildings and routines
Higher academic expectations and more homework
More social pressure, including peer pressure and social media
Increased responsibility and independence

Without guidance, students may:

Feel anxious, intimidated, or unmotivated
Struggle with time management and organization
Make risky choices to “fit in”
Withdraw instead of reaching out for help

A well-timed transition to high school assembly can:

Normalize the stress students feel
Give them concrete tools and strategies for success
Encourage healthy friendships and positive decision-making
Help them see high school as an opportunity—not something to fear

What Makes Robert Different?

There are many speakers who talk to students. Robert interacts with them.

Engaging “Edutainment” Style

Robert is an “edutainer” who uses:

Magic and illusions with powerful metaphors
Humor that’s appropriate, current, and relatable
Audience participation that keeps students involved
Real stories from schools across the country

This isn’t a lecture. It’s a high-energy, interactive experience that students talk about long after the assembly is over.

Experience with Schools Across the Country

20+ years speaking in schools, colleges, and organizations
Programs delivered in 49 states and internationally
Specialized in youth presentations on transitions, digital wellness, and decision-making

Robert understands school culture, tight schedules, and the realities your students face—both in person and online.

Ideal Audience & Timing

Program Formats & Logistics

Outcomes Schools Notice

This transition to high school presentation is ideal for:

8th graders preparing to enter high school
Incoming 9th graders during summer or fall orientation
Combined student + parent nights focused on the middle-to-high-school transition

Popular times to schedule this program:

Spring of 8th grade (before the transition)
End of the school year or early summer
The first weeks of 9th grade
Freshman orientation or welcome days

Robert’s presentation can be customized to fit your schedule and goals:

Length: Typically 45–60 minutes (can be adjusted)
Format: In-person assembly or live virtual presentation
Audience size: Works well for small groups, grade-level assemblies, or large audiences
Customization: Content can be tailored to your school’s specific needs and challenges

If you’d like, Robert can also pair the assembly with related programs, such as:

Digital citizenship & social media responsibility
Vaping awareness / substance misuse prevention
Decision-making and resilience for teens

After this presentation, your students will:

Feel less anxious and more confident about starting high school
Understand how their choices in 9th grade can open (or close) doors
Have simple, realistic strategies to stay organized and on top of schoolwork
Know how to navigate new friendships and peer pressure
Be more likely to ask for help instead of suffering in silence
See high school as an opportunity to grow, not something to fear.

Schools often report that this program becomes a staple of their 8th-grade or incoming freshman transition plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What grade level is this best for?
A: The presentation is designed primarily for 8th graders and 9th graders. It works well for students preparing to transition, or those in their first weeks of high school.

Q: Can you tailor the content to our school’s specific needs?
A: Yes. Before the program, Robert will speak with your team to understand your school culture, student challenges, and goals so the presentation feels relevant and customized.

Q: Do you offer virtual programs?
A: Absolutely. Robert offers live virtual presentations that still include interaction, polls, and Q&A to keep students engaged.

Q: Can parents be included?
A: Yes. Many schools schedule an 8th-grade assembly during the day and a parent program in the evening to help families support a positive transition together.

Flat Day Rate Pricing Option

The flat day rate offers up to 4 presentations within 24 hours for 1 flat rate. These presentations can be on different topics, for different grades, at different schools, and can include a parent/community night. This allows schools to work together and maximize budgets and resources.