WCHS senior Mason Metzger received a standing ovation for his speech at the House of Representatives.

WARSAW — Warsaw Community High School senior Mason Metzger spoke to the Indiana House of Representatives Tuesday, Jan. 10. Metzger was recently honored with being a Riley Champion back in September 2016.

Metzger has already taken on some pretty large scale speaking engagements, recently speaking at all three of Warsaw Community Church’s weekend services, the largest group of people he believes he’s ever spoken too. Metzger gave 28 motivational speeches in 2016 alone.

The speaking engagement in front of the Indiana House was facilitated by Randy Polston of the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club. Polston had heard Metzger speak and connected him with Representative David Wolkins who made arrangements with the House. Around 150 people were present, including 96 representatives.

Mason Metzger

Metzger enjoyed his time in the state capital. “The most humbling part of this experience was receiving a standing ovation from the entire House of Representatives…it seemed like my message was well received and taken to heart by all of the individuals that heard me speak today.”

Metzger chose the topic of “unity” for his speech in front of the state’s representatives. “When I was thinking about what to say,” commented Metzger, “I thought what better topic to start the year with. Goal setting and working together.”

Some of his points include overcoming challenges. Diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy at age one, Metzger has overcome plenty of challenges. While he speaks about his disability, it doesn’t define him. “I like to think of my disability as a special challenge, because we all have challenges but everyone’s challenges are different.”

Already on the agenda for this year are Riley Celebration in the Warsaw Community High School Performing Arts Center on Jan. 19, Bremen High School on Jan. 27, even possibly speaking at a Kroger District meeting Jan. 26. Metzger will also be presenting as the keynote speaker at the WCHS Tri Kappa event April 20.

Metzger is also excited for his March event where he will be headed to Tulsa, Oka., for the Christ in Youth conference. Metzger’s story will be videotaped and shown to more than 50,000 students. “CIY has been a pivotal point in my life both times I’ve gone…I’m just excited to see how I can make an impact. What they do is so amazing.”

Metzger readily gives thanks to those who have helped him get this far, including his speech mentor Lorinda Kline and current Warsaw Schools Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert who inspired him to write a mission statement. “My goal is to inspire and equip all people to be shining lights of the world… I really want people to just figure out what they want to do…because it brings you so much joy when you know what your mission is.”

As a senior, Metzger is looking at colleges and preparing for graduation. He’s been accepted to Grace College and anticipates that is where he will attend. Being close to home, the local college will help ease the transition of being away from home. He is planning on studying communications and business, though he is considering also going into the seminary. “I want to do [public speaking] full time…I’m amazed at the doors God has opened for me.”

Check out more on Metzger on his website.