MAPS Great Speaker Forum: Beckman focuses on reclaiming human connections

Merrill Area Public Schools will host nationally-recognized youth speaker Joe Beckman at this year’s Great Speaker Forum on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the Merrill High School Fieldhouse.
Beckman, co-founder of Till360, has spoken at more than 2,000 schools worldwide, reaching over one million students, educators, and families. His mission focuses on “reclaiming human connections” in school communities through live events, videos, and his best-selling books, “Just Look Up” and “Just Look Back.”
“We are pleased to welcome Joe as this year’s Great Speaker Forum presenter,” said Shannon Murray, MAPS Superintendent. “We encourage members of the community to attend and experience firsthand the incredible impact our guest speakers have on students.”
Since 1978, the Merrill Great Speaker Forum has brought presenters to address topics including self-esteem, personal growth, goal-setting, resilience, and navigating societal challenges like substance abuse and teen mental health. The annual event is funded through donations from local businesses and community members, with contributions ranging from $25 to $1,500.
The following individuals and businesses donated funds to help pay for this year’s speaker—Prairie River Properties, LLC $500; Merrill Optimist Club $500; Merrill Lions Club $300; Rose Skic $200; Kay Nicklaus $150; Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce $150; St. John’s Lutheran School $150; Reindl Printing $100; Eagles Aerie 584 $100; Eagles Ladies Auxiliary #584 $100; Kiwanis Club of Greater Merrill $100; Merrill Wrestling Club $100; Taylor Insulation Co. $100; Baumgart Waste Removal $50; Schmitt Manecke Donner VFW Auxiliary 1638 $50; Brad and Tammy Woller $25; and Hugo’s Pizza Shop, Inc. $25.

This year’s speaker was selected by the Great Speaker Forum Committee, which includes students who begin serving in sixth grade and continue through their senior year. Student committee members researched potential speakers and made the final selection based on message relevance.
The committee includes staff members, community volunteers, and students Avery Clark, Aaron Collinsworth, Corbin Hanson, Brooklyn Harding, Orion Hill, Josie Geiss, and Maya Paulus.
Joe Beckman is a passionate advocate for student well-being and human connection. Based in Minnesota, he lives with his wife, Jess, and their four children. His work with Till360 focuses on equipping students and educators with tools to foster meaningful relationships and build a positive school culture.