A nationally-known motivational speaker and recording artist will be visiting the Laurel School District this week.

Dr. Fairest Hill, who was born and raised in the inner city of Detroit, Mich., will be addressing the students and parents of the city schools during a series of gatherings.

According to Hill’s biography, he went from being placed in a special education classroom to graduating from high school with honors. Dr. Hill continued his education, and has received degrees in business administration, as well as a doctorate in divinity.

During his career, Dr. Hill has also collaborated and performed with such artists as the Winan’s, God’s Property, The Gap Band, New Edition, InSync and others.

The nationally-known motivator will be the featured speaker at several events sponsored by the Laurel School District this week.

He will be speaking to the students at various city schools on Monday and Tuesday and conducting a parent meeting on Tuesday night.

Hill is the founder/CEO of Youth on the Move, USA, Inc. and Vision Production and Publishing Company. He is also the author of a book titled “Yes, You Can Win - The ABC’s of Success,” and has released his fourth project, “This is Your Moment,” which is rapidly becoming a radio favorite across the country along with the song “It's a New Season,” which was featured on the Bobby Jones Top 20 Gospel Radio Countdown, a nationally syndicated radio broadcast.

Hill, who has a desire to reach as many as one million youth per year, now tours extensively performing concerts and conducting youth seminars. While his seminars are punctuated by music and humor, his message of making good decisions, developing internal motivation and character is a serious call for change to young people. He shares his personal story of overcoming defeat and negative life circumstances with perseverance, dedication and the right attitude.

According to the local school district’s schedule, on Monday, Hill will be at Laurel High School at 8 a.m., Mason Elementary School at 10 a.m. and Nora Davis Elementary School at 1 p.m.

On Tuesday, Hill will speak at Oak Park Elementary at 8 a.m., Stainton Elementary School at 10 a.m. and Laurel Middle School at 1 p.m.

Also as a part of his visit, Hill will be conducting a parent meeting at Laurel High School Auditorium at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The title of the parent meeting is “Positive Parenting in Challenging Times.”

Laurel School District Superintendent Dr. Glenn McGee said this parent meeting “is a wonderful opportunity for parents to hear a positive message designed specifically for them.”

“We must, as parents and educators, work together to enhance our children’s success,” the superintendent said. “We need increased parental participation in helping our students reach greater levels of academic success.”

Dr. McGee said it’s important for everyone to do their part to ensure the success of the young people.

“It takes a joint effort to make the educational process a success, and parents are an important part of that endeavor,” McGee said. “I strongly encourages our parents to come out and hear this uplifting, motivational speaker.”