You introduce our youth to extraordinary Ohioans ... and remind us all of Ohio's proud history!"
-- Hon. Bob Taft, Governor of Ohio

"Dear Rick -- Re: Heroes of Ohio and your school programs, I am more impressed than ever! ... I'm often asked to read aloud in schools and I plan to use your books in that capacity and to encourage schools to follow up by having you in."
-- Hope Taft, First Lady of the State of Ohio

"A book to inspire our young people is always of value ... the children of Ohio will benefit from this wonderful resource."
-- John Glenn, astronaut and former U.S. Senator

"I've been trying to find someone to look up to. Someone funny, smart, nice, who writes and likes kids. So I picked YOU, Rick Sowash."
-- 4th grader at Denver Place Elementary, Wilmington Ohio

"The writing my students have done since your visit is incredible. They are the longest and most descriptive writings they have ever done. You really did inspire them!"
-- Jill Graham, 4th Grade Teacher, Cridersville Elementary, Cridersville, OH

"Our entire school community was in awe of your performance: K-8 and beyond. The quality and sophistication of your presentation put each of us on the edge of our seats. You ... broke through the 'too cool' armor of the junior high students..."
-- Bill Schlater, Principal, St. Veronica School, Cincinnati

"Rick Sowash mesmerized our students and captivated their parents .... Sowash provided our students with a springboard to dive into creative writer linked to Ohio History. We are looking forward to his next visit."
-- Gary Brooks, Principal, Withamsville-Tobasco Elementary, Cincinnati

"Our students had a 'rollicking good time' spinning tales and telling yarns after enjoying a day of tall tale activity with Rick Sowash. We continued our Tall Tale Week, building on the theme even after Right to Read Week was over."
-- Caroline Plessner, Whiteford Elementary, Toledo

"Rick Sowash is a great storyteller who captured the attention of even our youngest children. One of our kindergartners asked the question, 'WHERE did you find this guy?"
-- John Matchett, Principal, Innis Elementary, Columbus

"His interaction with the children is wonderful, personal and enlightening. We all thoroughly enjoyed his visit. My students' writing has become more descriptive and alive."
-- Candy DeJongh, Black Lane Elementary, Fairborn

"The day went too fast. The kids wanted to hear more!"
-- Peg Johnnson, Spencer Elementary, Defiance

"Rick was well organized and enthusiastic about his subject. We were very impressed."
-- Linda Rock, Norwich Elementary, Hilliard

"We invited Fourth Grade classes from four other elementary buildings. Rick was very accommodating to our guests. The hero re-enactments were done using students from all five buildings. Rick was patient and thorough, making certain that each student "hero" was comfortable and well prepared for his/her job."
-- Ann Dubiel, Monroe Elementary, Monroe

"Rick captivated his audiences. His presentations were creative, fun, interactive and appropriate to the grade-level of the students."
-- Bruce Stambaugh, Principal, Mt. Hope and Winesburg Elementary Schools

"He was funny. He was age-appropriate. His stories were terrific."
-- Karen Berkhoper, Principal, St. Mary's School, Urbana

"Rick was very personable. He was so well organized, he had the whole production move smoothly. He was relaxed and put all his student helpers at ease. His small group sessions were terrific. He mesmerized the students AND the teachers!"
-- Carol Van Der Sluijs, librarian, Immaculate Conception School, Dayton

"This was a wonderful day for our students!"
-- Sharon Foster, Principal, Central Elementary, Coshocton

"Thank you for a delightfully fun and truly inspiring visit. Your ability to touch all ages and to make each presentation as fresh as the last is really a gift. The success of your visit can be measured not just in the amount of book sales (a lot!), but on the looks of the faces of the children as you walked through the cafeteria and in their reactions displayed in their writings. My own first-grader came home and promptly wrote his "first book" which he then illustrated and made a cover for. Later that week I overheard a 5th-grader encouraging another student to use 'juicy words' in his writing. You are indeed lucky to be 'following your bliss' and we are lucky that you shared that with our school."
-- Karen Bruner, parent, PTO president, Ayer Elementary, Cincinnati

"I am a 57-year old grandma raising my granddaughter. We were both in the audience at Drake Elementary. I can't express enough appreciation for the way your brought history alive for these young people. You definitely made a big impression on my 10 year old Jennifer. Thank you for giving her a great experience. And your program taught "Grandma" a few things about Ohio history, too!"
-- Linda Spear, Berea

"I wish you could be my father."
-- 5th-grade girl at Harrison Elementary, Sunbury
(This is one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to Rick Sowash.)